English · Nature & Environment
wither
/ˈwɪðər/
[/ˈwɪðər/]
dry up and shrink, as a plant
Intermediateverb
Definition
To become dry, weak, and shrunken, as a plant does when it lacks water. It can also describe something that fades or weakens.
Example
The flowers began to wither without water.
The flowers began to wither without water.
Etymology
From Middle English 'wideren', a variant of 'weather' used of plants.
How & Where It’s Used
Used for dying plants and figuratively for fading hopes or strength.