impairing

1 definition found

impairing - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Impair \Im*pair"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impaired; p. pr. & vb.
     n. Impairing.] [Written also empair.] [OE. empeiren,
     enpeiren, OF. empeirier, empirier, F. empirer, LL.
     impejorare; L. pref. im- in + pejorare to make worse, fr.
     pejor worse. Cf. Appair.]
     To make worse; to diminish in quantity, value, excellence, or
     strength; to deteriorate; as, to impair health, character,
     the mind, value.
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           Time sensibly all things impairs.        --Roscommon.
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           In years he seemed, but not impaired by years. --Pope.
  
     Syn: To diminish; decrease; injure; weaken; enfeeble;
          debilitate; reduce; debase; deteriorate.
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