weaken

[ wee-kuhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make weak or weaker.

   Synonyms: invalidate, minimize, impair, reduce, lower, diminish, lessen, deplete, exhaust, sap, undermine, enervate, debilitate, enfeeble

   Antonyms: strengthen

2. Phonetics. to change (a speech sound) to an articulation requiring less effort, as from geminate to nongeminate or from stop to fricative.

verb (used without object)

1. to become weak or weaker.

   Synonyms: sap, undermine, enervate, debilitate, enfeeble, invalidate, minimize, impair, reduce, lower, diminish, lessen, deplete, exhaust

   Antonyms: strengthen

weaken

/ ˈwiːkən /

verb

1. to become or cause to become weak or weaker

Derived Forms

• ˈweakener, noun

Other Words From

• weaken·er noun
• re·weaken verb
• un·weakened adjective
• un·weaken·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of weaken¹

First recorded in 1520–30; weak + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Without the constant pressure of gravity on the skeletal system, calcium from bones leaches into the body, which besides weakening the bones themselves can lead astronauts to be at higher risk of developing kidney stones.

From Salon

After all, the changes the league was proposing - after a tribunal panel found elements of the APTs were unlawful - will weaken the rules.

From BBC

Trump’s allies say immigrants have deflated U.S. wages and drained government resources, but some experts have warned that mass deportations could weaken the U.S. economy.

From Los Angeles Times

The court's operation is seen as weakened without US involvement.

From BBC

It is part of an agenda driven by conservative parental rights groups and politicians who promote charter schools and voucher systems that could weaken public education.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abate
• decline
• decrease
• depress
• dilute
• diminish
• dwindle
• halt
• impair
• lessen
• lower
• reduce
• sap
• soften
• undermine
• wane