Weaken Meaning
Weaken Definition & Usage
To reduce the strength or effectiveness of something or someone.
Examples
- "The storm weakened the bridge, making it unsafe to cross."
- "His illness began to weaken his body, causing him to lose energy quickly."
- "The constant criticism slowly weakened her confidence."
- "Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to illness."
- "The economy was weakened by years of poor management."
To make something less intense, severe, or potent.
Examples
- "The new law is designed to weaken the power of the old regime."
- "He tried to weaken the impact of his previous statement by apologizing."
- "Efforts to weaken the enemy's morale failed in the face of strong resistance."
- "The debate became less heated as time passed, weakening the arguments on both sides."
- "They used music to weaken the emotional intensity of the scene."
To make something less forceful or energetic over time.
Examples
- "The constant pressure began to weaken the resolve of the workers."
- "His grip on the rope weakened as he grew tired."
- "The wind gradually weakened as the storm moved inland."
- "As the night wore on, the energy in the room began to weaken."
- "Their support for the project weakened after the financial setback."
Cultural Context
'Weaken' has been used for centuries in the English language, originating from the Old English word 'wēacnian,' meaning to make weak. The word evolved over time to encompass both physical and metaphorical uses. Its application spans various fields, from physical sciences to emotional and social contexts, and it is often used in the context of personal, political, and societal shifts.
The Crumbling Wall
Story
The Crumbling Wall
In a small town, a centuries-old stone wall stood at the edge of a garden, weathered by time and neglect. Over the years, the wind and rain had weakened the mortar, causing small cracks to appear. The garden, once vibrant and full of life, now looked like a ghost of its former self, with the weakening wall acting as a symbol of the decay that had overtaken the place. Mr. Harris, the gardener who had cared for it for decades, stood before it, feeling the weight of time upon his shoulders. One evening, as he surveyed the garden, his old friend Sarah approached. 'You know, you’ve been tending to this place for so long,' Sarah said, 'but it’s clear that the wall is weakening. Maybe it's time to rebuild it.' Mr. Harris sighed, his gaze fixed on the crumbling stones. 'I know, but every crack I see seems like a piece of my own strength fading away. The wall’s weakening mirrors what’s happening inside me. I feel like I’m losing my grip on everything.' Sarah gave him a soft smile. 'Maybe this wall’s decline doesn’t need to reflect your own. The strength we have inside isn’t always about holding on, but knowing when to let go and rebuild. Just like this wall, we can strengthen ourselves again.' As the sun set behind the weakening wall, Mr. Harris felt a small sense of relief. It was true—the wall might be crumbling, but there was still time to rebuild, just like there was still time to strengthen his spirit. He took a deep breath, ready to begin anew.
Related Words
