weaken

[wee-kuhn] / ˈwi kən /

VERB

reduce the strength of

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abate decline decrease depress dilute diminish dwindle halt impair lessen lower reduce sap soften undermine wane

STRONG

adulterate crumble cut debase debilitate devitalize droop enervate exhaust fade fail faint flag impoverish invalidate languish limp lose minimize mitigate moderate relapse relax temper thin tire totter tremble vitiate wilt

WEAK

break up ease up give way lose spirit slow down thin out water down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist compliment develop encourage enlarge expand extend grow help increase praise prolong raise rise strengthen

STRONG

achieve activate aggravate agitate animate clean energize enhance excite free improve incite invigorate purify refresh succeed win

WEAK

build up

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The team also discovered that melanoma cells can actively weaken the immune system as animals age.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

In 2022, executives were still touting revenue growth of more than 60% compared with 2019 levels, even as same-store sales started to weaken.

From MarketWatch • May 31, 2026

The researchers then performed electrophysiological recordings on hippocampal tissue samples to assess synaptic plasticity, the brain's ability to strengthen or weaken connections between nerve cells in response to experience and learning.

From Science Daily • May 30, 2026

Any new age limit should not weaken existing safeguards, she added.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

I think of the trail of destruction in my wake—my knees weaken and I slide down to a sitting position.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

weaken

Example Sentences

Related Words