Reading Theme:
Weaken: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：make weaker (weaken)
weaken
/ˈwiːkən/
v.
To make something less strong or powerful, like a person's body, a structure, or the effect of something.
make weaker
➕
/meɪk ˈwiːkər/
v.
To cause something to become less strong, powerful, or effective, such as a person's body, a structure, or the effect of something.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'weak' (adjective) and suffix '-en' meaning 'to make or become'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'weak' plus 'en' — adding 'en' makes it a verb: to cause something to become weak.
📖 Example
After the long illness, his immune system was weakened and he caught a cold easily.
After the long illness, his immune system was weakened and he caught a cold easily.
🔗 Collocations
weaken the immune system – reduce the ability of the immune system to fight disease
weaken a structure – make a building or object less strong physically
weaken an argument – make a reasoning less convincing or effective
🔄 Synonyms
debilitate (v.) – To make someone very weak and infirm
undermine (v.) – To gradually weaken or destroy something, especially confidence or authority
impair (v.) – To damage or make something less effective
🚫 Antonyms
strengthen (v.) – To make something stronger or more powerful
fortify (v.) – To make something stronger, especially by adding support
reinforce (v.) – To make something stronger by adding extra support or material
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Old English 'wāc', meaning soft or pliable, later evolving to indicate lack of strength. The '-en' suffix is a common verb-forming element in English.
Meaning 2：undermine resolve (weaken)
weaken
/ˈwiːkən/
v.
To make someone less determined, or to make a connection or relationship less strong and firm.
undermine resolve
➕
/ˌʌndərˈmaɪn rɪˈzɑːlv/
v.
To reduce someone's determination, confidence, or the stability of a relationship or connection.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Her friend's constant criticism began to weaken her confidence in her own artistic ability.
Her friend's constant criticism began to weaken her confidence in her own artistic ability.
🔗 Collocations
weaken someone's resolve – make someone less determined to achieve something
weaken a bond – make a relationship or connection less strong
weaken the foundation – make the base or support of something less stable
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
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