Wither

/ˈwɪðə/ · verb

Meaning

(intransitive) To shrivel, droop or dry up, especially from lack of water..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive) To shrivel, droop or dry up, especially from lack of water.
2. (transitive) To cause to shrivel or dry up.
3. (intransitive, figurative) To lose vigour or power; to languish; to waste away; to pass away.
4. (intransitive) To become helpless due to emotion.
5. (transitive) To make helpless due to emotion.
6. singular of withers (“part of the back of a four-legged animal that is between the shoulder blades”)
7. (obsolete or chiefly in compounds) Against, in opposition to.
8. To go against, resist; oppose.

Example Sentences

The flowers began to wither in the hot sun without enough water.

She watched as the old tree slowly withered with time.

Without care, the crops will wither and fail to grow.

There was a man which had his hand withered.

This is man, old, wrinkled, faded, withered.

now warm in love, now with'ring in the grave

names that must not wither

States thrive or wither as moons wax and wane.

Synonyms for wither

Antonyms for wither

Related Words

Word Forms

• withers
• withering
• withered
• more wither
• most wither

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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