droop

[ droop ]

verb (used without object)

1. to sag, sink, bend, or hang down, as from weakness, exhaustion, or lack of support.

   Synonyms: languish, flag

2. to fall into a state of physical weakness; flag; fail.

   Synonyms: fade, wither, wilt, faint, decline, weaken

3. to lose spirit or courage.
4. to descend, as the sun; sink.

verb (used with object)

1. to let sink or drop:

   an eagle drooping its wings.

noun

1. a sagging, sinking, bending, or hanging down, as from weakness, exhaustion, or lack of support.

droop

/ druːp /

verb

1. to sag or allow to sag, as from weakness or exhaustion; hang down; sink
2. intr to be overcome by weariness; languish; flag
3. intr to lose courage; become dejected

noun

1. the act or state of drooping

Derived Forms

• ˈdroopingly, adverb
• ˈdrooping, adjective

Other Words From

• drooping·ly adverb
• re·droop verb (used without object)
• un·drooping adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of droop¹

1300–50; Middle English drupen, drowpen < Old Norse drūpa; akin to drop

Word History and Origins

Origin of droop¹

C13: from Old Norse drūpa; see drop

Example Sentences

In the spring, maroon flowers droop from the branches.

From Salon

This year’s Olympic mascots are the Phryge and the Paralympic Phryge, small creatures that resemble a Phrygian cap, a slightly drooping, cone-shaped hat typically associated with themes of liberty in European and colonial cultures.

From Salon

Maybe it’s a holdover reaction to the large, drooping discs of pepperoni layered atop chain pizzas from my youth.

From Seattle Times

But the point of his cowl hood droops behind his head, perhaps from the sheer weight of finding out he’s died.

From New York Times

Symptoms can include drooping eyelids, trouble swallowing, fatigue, weakness and difficulty breathing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dangle
• sag
• slouch
• wilt
• wither