wither

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To dry up, droop, or shrink, especially from lack of water.

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

2. 2
   verb

   To gradually lose strength, freshness, or energy.

   Public support for the project slowly withered over the years.

3. 3
   verb

   To cause something to dry up or shrink.

   The frost withered the young plants overnight.

From Middle English widren, wydderen (“to dry up, shrivel”), related to or perhaps an alteration of Middle English wederen (“to expose to weather”), from Old English wederian (“to expose to weather, exhibit a change of weather”). Cognates From Proto-Germanic: Dutch verwederen, Dutch verweren (“to erode by weather”), German verwittern, wittern (“to be ruined by weather; to erode”), Swedish vittra (“wither”). More at weather.

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