withering
UK: ˈwɪðərɪŋ | US: ˈwɪðərɪŋ
adj. 1. (of a look, remark, etc.) intensely harsh or scornful
adj. 2. (of wind or climate) causing plants to dry up and die
v. (present participle of wither)
The root wither traces back to Middle English widren, meaning "to dry up or fade," likely influenced by Old English weder (weather), reflecting the connection to environmental decay. The suffix -ing turns the verb into an adjective, emphasizing the ongoing or impactful nature of the action. Over time, withering evolved metaphorically to describe verbal or emotional intensity (e.g., a "withering glare"), mirroring the destructive effect of natural withering.
She gave him a withering glance that silenced the room.
The crops failed under the withering summer heat.
His withering critique left no room for rebuttal.
The desert’s withering winds stripped the land of moisture.
The politician faced withering opposition from the press.