wither

1 of 2

verb

with·​er ˈwi-t͟hər 

withered; withering

ˈwit͟h-riŋ,

ˈwi-t͟hə- 

intransitive verb

1

: to become dry and sapless

especially : to shrivel from or as if from loss of bodily moisture

2

: to lose vitality, force, or freshness

public support for the bill is withering

transitive verb

1

: to cause to wither

2

: to make speechless or incapable of action : stun

withered him with a look

—Dorothy Sayers

wither

2 of 2

noun

chiefly British

: withers

Synonyms

Verb

• dry
• wilt

Examples of wither in a Sentence

Verb

The plants withered and died.

shortly after the moon landing, interest in the space program withered

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Full of Promise This year’s Money 2020 showcased an industry that had not withered. —Alex Lazarow, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

The contest has narrowed as Baldwin’s spending edge against Hovde has withered, the advertising wars have intensified, and GOP ads against Baldwin appear to have driven up her negatives. —Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024

Collectives disputed internally or withered out of inactivity. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2024

Once air temperatures drop to 36°F or below, the leaves of these plants will wither and blacken, bringing your garden party to a halt. —Charlotte Germane, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English widren; probably akin to Middle English weder weather

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1607, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

wither

verb

with·​er

ˈwit͟h-ər

withered; withering

-(ə-)riŋ

1

: to shrivel from or as if from loss of bodily moisture and especially sap

the crops withered during the drought

2

: to lose liveliness, force, or freshness

support for the candidate withered

Biographical Definition

Wither

biographical name

With·​er ˈwi-t͟hər 

George 1588–1667 English poet and pamphleteer