weaken

Everyday

1. To weaken means to become weaker, or to make someone or something weaker, less strong or less powerful. tree →
2. To weaken can mean to start to give in or change your mind («He weakened and let us stay up late»). tree →

In the lessons

In science it is used for forces, materials and health (illness weakens the body, rust weakens metal, a storm weakens as it crosses land, a solution weakens when you add water). In stories a hero or enemy weakens before the end. Opposite: «strengthen». Phrases: «weaken the structure», «weakened by illness».

Examples

• The storm weakened as it moved over land. tree →
• Rust can weaken a metal bridge. tree →
• Being ill for a week weakened her. tree →
• Adding water weakens the squash. tree →
• Mum weakened and bought us ice cream. tree →
• Cracks weakened the wall, so it was unsafe. tree →
• The magic potion weakened the dragon. tree →
• Not sleeping enough can weaken your body. tree →
• The reason for wearing these, he said, was that his eyes had been weakened by the work of many years. tree →

Note

From «weak» plus «-en» (to make). Regular: «weakened». Homophone trap: «weak» (not strong) and «week» (seven days) sound the same.

In Jewish tradition

In science it is used for forces, materials and health (illness weakens the body, rust weakens metal, a storm weakens as it crosses land, a solution weakens when you add water). In stories a hero or enemy weakens before the end. Opposite: «strengthen». Phrases: «weaken the structure», «weakened by illness».

Examples

• He weakened my strength in the way; He shortened my days. (Writings PSA.102.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and harried them while they were building, (Writings EZR.4.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• For they all would have us afraid, saying: 'Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done.' But now, strengthen Thou my hands. (Writings NEH.6.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

From «weak» plus «-en» (to make). Regular: «weakened». Homophone trap: «weak» (not strong) and «week» (seven days) sound the same.