withering

1. 1
   adjective

   Showing so little respect that it makes someone feel small and ashamed.

   The coach shot him a withering look after the silly mistake.

   Her withering comments about my drawing made me want to hide it.

   Similarscathing, blistering, scornful, contemptuous, caustic

   Note
2. 2
   verb

   Present participle and gerund of wither. Use it after is, are, or was, or as the name of the action.

   The flowers are withering because nobody watered them.

   The hot wind is withering the young corn in the fields.

   Note
3. 3
   adjective

   Strong enough to destroy or crush whatever it hits.

   The soldiers could not cross the bridge under such withering fire.

   The team's withering attack scored five goals before halftime.

   Similardevastating, punishing, blistering, overwhelming

   Note
4. 4
   adjective

   Getting smaller or less very quickly.

   With his withering savings, he could no longer pay the rent.

   The club tried to save its withering membership with free events.

   Similardwindling, shrinking, waning, diminishing

   Note
5. 5
   noununcountable

   The process of something drying up or losing its strength.

   The withering of the garden began in the hot, dry July.

   The withering of their friendship happened over many quiet years.

   Similardecline, decay, wilting, atrophy

   Oppositegrowth

   Note

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