weaken — to make or become less strong, powerful, or effective
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to make or become less strong, powerful, or effective
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwiːkən/
Example Sentences
- Too much Netflix binge-watching can weaken your willpower to exercise.
- The storm began to weaken as it moved inland.
- His excuse was so ridiculous that it actually weakened his credibility.
weaken
VERB[/ˈwiːkən/]
to make or become less strong, powerful, or effective
While the thick wooden beam held steady for years, continuous dripping water began to rot the timber and weaken the roof support.
WEAK (soft, bending) + EN (make into) — by heating the iron bar in the forge fire, the blacksmith acted to EN (make) the steel WEAK (soft and bending), ready to weaken its resistance.
Hearing the midnight storm awaken and feeling the hull violently shaken, the crew refused to let fear weaken their resolve.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old Norse 'veikr' meaning weak, combined with the English suffix '-en' which creates verbs meaning 'to make or become.' The root 'weak' entered English through Scandinavian languages during the Viking era.
Breakdown
weak (adjective: lacking strength) + -en (verbal suffix: to make or become) = weaken
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Too much Netflix binge-watching can weaken your willpower to exercise.”
“The storm began to weaken as it moved inland.”
“His excuse was so ridiculous that it actually weakened his credibility.”
“Regular exercise can help prevent muscles from weakening with age.”
📚Related Words
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