verb
B1
Intermediate
impair
Impair (verb) means to make something weaker or worse.
verb
1
To make something weaker or worse.
"In 2016, it was announced that Jones had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, a form of dementia that impairs the ability to communicate."
— Stuart Jeffries, Terry Jones obituary (2020)
2
To become worse over time.
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Etymology
Came into English via Middle English impairen, empeiren, from Old French empeirier, from Early Medieval Latin impeiōrāre, from in- plus Late Latin peiōrāre ("worsen"), from peiōrem ("worse"), the comparative of malus ("bad").
Related words
Rhymes for impair
See all rhymes for impair →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of impair?
"impair" (verb) means to make something weaker or worse.
What is another word for impair?
Other words for "impair" include mar, deflower, spoil, vitiate.
What is the opposite of impair?
Opposites of "impair" include enhance, improve, augment.
What are the different meanings of impair?
"impair" has 2 main meanings: 1. To make something weaker or worse; 2. To become worse over time.
