withering

Everyday

1. Of a plant: drying up, shrinking and dying, for example because it has no water. tree →
2. (adjective) A withering look or remark is very scornful and makes someone feel small and foolish. tree →
3. (adjective) Extremely strong and damaging, like "withering heat" or "withering fire". tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on plants, leaves start withering when a plant lacks water or light. In stories, "she gave him a withering look" tells the reader she was very unimpressed and made him feel silly. Phrases: "a withering look", "withering criticism", "withering heat".

Examples

• The flowers were withering because nobody had watered them. tree →
• Our bean plant in the dark cupboard was withering. tree →
• The teacher gave him a withering look when he walked in late. tree →
• The grass was withering in the summer heat. tree →
• Her withering comment made him go red. tree →
• The leaves are withering and turning brown in autumn. tree →

Note

"Wither" is a regular verb (withered, withering). Do not confuse with "whether" (if) or "weather" (rain and sun). A withering look does not hurt the body; it hurts feelings.