impair

Definition

To weaken; to affect negatively; to have a diminishing effect on.

Etymology

From Middle English impairen, empeiren, from Old French empeirier, from Early Medieval Latin impeiōrāre, from in- + Late Latin peiōrāre (“worsen”), from peiōrem (“worse”), comparative of malus (“bad”).

Example Sentences

• "In 2016, it was announced that Jones had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, a form of dementia that impairs the ability to communicate."
• "Flesh may empaire,[…]but reason can repaire."

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