Weaken (Verb)
Meaning 1
Destroy property or hinder normal operations; "The Resistance sabotaged railroad operations during the war".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The hacktivists sought to weaken the company's online presence by launching a series of coordinated cyberattacks.
- Activists often use non-violent methods, but some turned to violence to weaken the government's authority by destroying critical infrastructure.
- These actions will certainly weaken the entire system, plunging the economy into recession and chaos.
- Cyber warfare has been used to weaken a nation's defenses and disrupt their economy without being detected.
- Terrorists usually aim to weaken their targets by creating widespread fear and panic among the population.
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Meaning 2
Become weaker; "The prisoner's resistance weakened after seven days".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- Her immune system weakened due to lack of proper nutrition.
- The painkiller's effect weakened over time as the body developed a tolerance.
- The athlete's performance weakened in the last few seconds of the marathon.
- His resolve weakened after hearing the heartbreaking news from his family.
- The company's financial position weakened as a result of the failed investments and business ventures.
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Meaning 3
Reduce the level or intensity or size or scope of; "de-escalate a crisis".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The government's new policies are designed to weaken the economy's dependence on a single industry.
- The company's financial struggles have forced them to weaken their presence in overseas markets.
- Negotiators worked through the night to weaken the proposal sufficiently to win bipartisan support.
- The central bank took steps to weaken the currency, hoping to boost exports and stimulate economic growth.
- The new policy aims to weaken the grip of organized crime in the city's neighborhoods.
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Meaning 4
Lessen in force or effect; "soften a shock"; "break a fall".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The shock absorbers help weaken the impact of bumps on the road.
- Proper falling techniques can weaken a landing, reducing injury risk.
- Exercising regularly and eating well can weaken the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
- The padded flooring in the playroom is designed to weaken a child's fall, making it safer for them to play.
- Inflating the parachute helps weaken your descent, allowing you to land safely.
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Meaning 5
Lessen the strength of; "The fever weakened his body".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- High levels of debt can weaken a country's economy over time.
- The illness weakened the patient, forcing her to stay in bed for weeks.
- Prolonged drought weakened the crops, resulting in a poor harvest.
- Overuse weakened the muscles in his shoulder, making it difficult to lift.
- The constant stress of work weakened her immune system.
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- Stultify
- Attenuate
- Thin Out
- Season
- Negate
- Mollify
- Castrate
- Thin
- Drain
- Devitalise
- Cut
- Reduce
- Nullify
- Moderate
- Neutralise
- Debilitate
- De-energise