withering Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use)
    atrophy.
  2. verb wither, as with a loss of moisture
    wither; shrivel; shrink; shrivel up.
    • The fruit dried and shriveled
  3. verb lose freshness, vigor, or vitality
    wither; fade.
    • Her bloom was fading
  4. adjective satellite wreaking or capable of wreaking complete destruction
    devastating; annihilative; annihilating.
    • possessing annihilative power
    • a devastating hurricane
    • the guns opened a withering fire
  5. adjective satellite making light of
    devastating; annihilating.
    • afire with annihilating invective
    • a devastating portrait of human folly
    • to compliments inflated I've a withering reply"- W.S.Gilbert

WordNet


With"er*ing adjective
Definitions
  1. Tending to wither; causing to shrink or fade. -- With"er*ing*ly, adv.

Webster 1913