weaken
UK: ˈwiːkən | US: ˈwiːkən
vt. to make or become less strong, intense, or effective
vi. to lose physical or moral strength
The word "weaken" combines the Old English root "weak" (from Proto-Germanic *waikwaz, meaning "pliant" or "yielding") with the verb-forming suffix "-en," which originates from Old English "-nian." This suffix was used to create verbs indicating a change of state. Over time, "weaken" evolved to broadly mean "to reduce in strength or intensity," reflecting both physical and metaphorical diminishment. The logic is straightforward: "weak" (state) + "-en" (action) = "to make weak."
The storm began to weaken as it moved inland.
Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system.
The government's authority weakened after the scandal.
Continuous exposure to noise may weaken your hearing.
She refused to weaken her stance on the issue.