weaken

• Verb, das angibt, dass die Stärke, Kraft oder Wirksamkeit von etwas verringert wird; auch intransitiv verwendet, um auszudrücken, dass jemand oder etwas selbst schwächer wird.

A verb used to indicate the act of making or becoming less strong, powerful, or effective.

1. Reduce strength or powerB1formal

   To make something less strong, powerful, or effective.

   Schwächen

   • The storm weakened as it moved inland.
   • Lack of exercise can weaken your muscles.
   • The scandal weakened the government's authority.

   Synonymeattenuatecrippledebilitatediminishenervateenfeebleimpairreducesapundermine

   Antonymeempowerfortifyhardenreinforcestrengthen

2. Reduce intensity or forceB1formal

   To become or make something less intense, forceful, or severe.

   Abschwächen

   • The medicine weakened the pain over time.
   • His resolve weakened after hearing her argument.
   • The wind weakened as the night went on.

   Synonymeattenuatedilutediminishimpairlessenmitigatemoderatereducesaptemperthinundermine

   Antonymefortifyintensifyreinforcestrengthen

3. Undermine or damageB2formal

   To gradually damage or undermine something, such as a system, relationship, or structure.

   schwächen

   • Constant criticism can weaken a person's confidence.
   • The economic crisis weakened the country's financial system.
   • The foundation of the building was weakened by the earthquake.

   Synonymecompromisedebilitatediminishenfeebleerodeimpairsapundermine

   Antonymebolsterfortifyreinforcestrengthen