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

Plankton also help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, meaning reduced plankton growth may weaken the ocean's role in storing carbon.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, saying "such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan".

From BBC • May 24, 2026

The virus was designed to slowly weaken in infection rate as it spreads from host to host.

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner

weaken

Example Sentences

Related Words