Reading Theme:
Impair: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：to weaken (impair)
impair
/ɪmˈpeər/
vt.
To damage or make something weaker or worse, especially a person's ability to do something.
to weaken
➕
/tuː ˈwiːkən/
vt.
This meaning focuses on causing harm that reduces the strength, quality, or effectiveness of an ability, especially a human faculty like thinking or perception.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'in-' (not) + 'pejorare' (to make worse). Literally 'to make worse'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a broken 'pair'. When something is impaired, it can no longer function as a proper pair.
📖 Example
Staying up all night to study can seriously impair your ability to think clearly the next day.
Pulling an all-nighter for studying can significantly weaken your mental clarity the following day.
🔗 Collocations
impair vision – to cause a reduction in eyesight
impair judgment – to negatively affect the ability to make sound decisions
impair performance – to cause a decline in how well someone or something functions
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
impairment (n.) – The state or fact of being impaired, especially a disability or functional limitation.
📖 Cultural Story
The word entered English from Old French 'empeirier', which derived from Late Latin 'impejorare' ('to make worse'). It has long been used in legal and medical contexts to describe the diminishment of a function, right, or condition.
Meaning 2：to damage (impair)
impair
/ɪmˈpeər/
vt.
To make something less effective or reduce its quality, function, or value.
to damage
➕
/tuː ˈdæmɪdʒ/
vt.
This meaning refers to causing physical or functional damage to an object, system, or quality, making it less effective or valuable.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
A cracked screen doesn't just look bad; it can also impair the touch functionality of your phone.
A fractured screen is not only unsightly; it can also damage your phone's touchscreen responsiveness.
🔗 Collocations
impair function – to hinder the normal operation of a device or system
impair quality – to reduce the standard or grade of something
impair value – to lessen the worth or market price of an asset
🔄 Synonyms
damage (v.) – To cause physical harm affecting function or value.
hinder (v.) – To create difficulties that slow down or obstruct progress.
compromise (v.) – To accept standards that are lower than desirable, or to weaken.
🚫 Antonyms
restore (v.) – To bring back to a previous, original, or unimpaired condition.
🌱 Derivatives
impairment (n.) – Damage or deficiency that reduces the functionality or value of an asset.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser