impair

¹

[ im-pair ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make or cause to become worse; diminish in ability, value, excellence, etc.; weaken or damage:

   to impair one's health;

   to impair negotiations.

   Antonyms: repair

verb (used without object)

1. to grow or become worse; lessen.

noun

1. Archaic. impairment.

impair

²

[ an-per ]

adjective

, French.

1. noting any odd number, especially in roulette. Compare pair.

impair

/ ɪmˈpɛə /

verb

1. tr to reduce or weaken in strength, quality, etc

   his hearing was impaired by an accident

Derived Forms

• imˈpairment, noun
• imˈpairer, noun
• imˈpairable, adjective

Other Words From

• im·paira·ble adjective
• im·pairer noun
• im·pairment noun
• nonim·pairment noun
• preim·pairment noun
• self-im·paira·ble adjective
• self-im·pairing adjective
• unim·paira·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of impair¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English empairen, empeiren “to make worse,” from Middle French empeirer, from em- im- ¹ + peirer “to make worse” (from Late Latin pējōrāre, verb derivative of Latin pējor “worse”; pejoration )

Origin of impair²

First recorded in 1820–30; from French: literally, “odd,” from Latin impār “odd, unequal”; equivalent to im- ²( def ) + pair ²( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of impair¹

C14: from Old French empeirer to make worse, from Late Latin pējorāre, from Latin pejor worse; see pejorative

Synonym Study

See injure.

Example Sentences

The team is excited about their new findings and the significant potential it has in developing new treatments for age-related muscle atrophy along with other health condition related to impaired muscle regeneration.

From Science Daily

Certain conditions, such as schizophrenia or depression, as well as ADHD, impair working memory.

From Science Daily

The panel concluded Mrs Warmington’s fitness to practice was impaired, she had committed misconduct, and her actions had put patients at an "unwanted risk of harm".

From BBC

Nearly 20% of the world's population is at risk for zinc deficiency, which can impair immune function and is a major risk factor for pneumonia.

From Science Daily

The study also demonstrated that inhibiting PRDX6 could impair cancer cell survival, especially in neuroblastomas, offering a new potential therapeutic target.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• blunt
• damage
• debilitate
• decrease
• destroy
• diminish
• hurt
• lessen
• mar
• prejudice
• reduce
• spoil
• tarnish
• undermine
• weaken
• worsen