weaken

[US]/ˈwiːkən/
[UK]/ˈwiːkən/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vt. reduce; make less strong; make less intense
vi. become less strong; shrink back; become feeble

Example Sentences

He is in a weakened condition.

the disease is characterized by weakening of the immune system.

pregnancy had weakened her constitution.

Lucy's torrent of howls weakened to a snivel.

a short story weakened by clichés;

His grip weakened as he was tired.

She weakened as the illness grew worse.

You can weaken the tea by adding water.

A succession of military defeats weakened the aggressor.

the rash symptomatic of scarlet fever; a rise in unemployment symptomatic of a weakening economy.

In his weakened condition, he is very susceptible to cold.

Central authority has been progressively weakened since the outbreak of the civil war.

in the event that an attack is launched, the defenders will have been significantly weakened by air attacks.

Her already debilitated constitution is being further weakened by overwork and smoking.

As MITAG weakens when traversing the Philippines, it will be driven by the low-level easterlies and will travel W into the South China Sea.

Real-world Examples

However, vulnerability to some potentially better explanation doesn't weaken a current scientific theory.

Source: TED-Ed (video version)

So, what happens when social ties weaken?

Source: 2023 Celebrity High School Graduation Speech

The stress often completely weakens the plant.

Source: VOA Slow English - Entertainment

The typhoon will then weaken to a cyclone.

Source: CRI Online September 2022 Collection

He survived, but his health was seriously weakened.

Source: Crash Course in Drama

It's concerned that last month's devastating hurricane could weaken turnout.

Source: BBC Listening Collection November 2016

The structure has been weakened by rain and erosion.

Source: Rescue Chernobyl

Infection, because of the weakening of the immune system.

Source: Daily Life Medical Science Popularization

Their human " batteries" are actually weakened by loud, busy activities.

Source: VOA Special June 2016 Collection

Further out through the solar system the sun's rays weaken.

Source: BBC documentary "The Mystery of the Sun"

Popular Words

Explore frequently searched vocabulary

Download App to Unlock Full Content

Want to learn vocabulary more efficiently? Download the DictoGo app and enjoy more vocabulary memorization and review features!

Download DictoGo Now