Withering

Pronunciation varies by accent · adjective

Meaning

Tending to destroy, devastate, overwhelm, or cause complete destruction..

Definitions by Sense

1. Tending to destroy, devastate, overwhelm, or cause complete destruction.
2. Diminishing rapidly.
3. Tending to make someone feel small; scornful in a mortifying way.
4. present participle and gerund of wither
5. The process by which something withers.

Example Sentences

The D-Day troops came under withering fire.

Before the clearing had been half crossed the Arabs opened up a withering fire from behind the palisade.

Shockingly, under such a withering combined barrage, the Japanese destroyer promptly exploded and sank in short order, before even having had a chance to unleash her Long Lances. First blood to the USN!

The playboy seemed oblivious to his withering fortune as he continued in his decadent lifestyle.

Go—ask of nature in thy walk. The rose-bud, dying on its stalk, The fading grass—the withering tree, Are emblems of thy fate and thee.

Jane's mother in law gave her a withering look.

He made withering remarks about his adversary.

It is a very serious thing that there be Worlds and Suns, and yet most withering is the laughter of Māna-Yood-Sushāī. And when he arises from resting at the Last, and laughs at us for playing with Worlds and Suns, We will hastily put them behind us, and there shall be Worlds no more.

Synonyms for withering

Antonyms for withering

Related Words

Word Forms

• more withering
• most withering
• witherings

Usage Notes

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

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