wither

English

/ˈwɪðɚ/, /ˈwɪðə/

verb
Definitions
  • (intransitive) To shrivel, droop or dry up, especially from lack of water.
  • (transitive) To cause to shrivel or dry up.
  • (intransitive) To lose vigour or power; to languish; to pass away.
  • (intransitive) To become helpless due to emotion.
  • (transitive) To make helpless due to emotion.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English widren, wederen (expose to weather) inherited from Old English wederian (expose to weather, exhibit a change of weather).

Origin

Old English

wederian

Gloss

expose to weather, exhibit a change of weather

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms