withering

American  

[with-er-ing] / ˈwɪð ər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. scathing; deeply humiliating; contemptuous.

2. causing harm or loss of vitality; damaging.

3. (of plants) wilting or shriveling up, such as from disease or lack of moisture.

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Example Sentences

She has a withering way of never uttering her former fiancé’s name, referring to him as “a man I met when I was 19.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Was it possible that my relentless travel had caused me to miscarry — and in a country where I knew women sometimes faced withering criticism and blame for poor pregnancy outcomes?

From Salon

But few enter politics to see constituents endangered and withering.

From The Wall Street Journal

Climate change has fueled increasingly extreme heat, withering shrubs and grasses.

From Los Angeles Times

And his abilities cannot be underestimated, even as former Australia forward Aaron Woods and other pundits from outside the UK have provided fuel for Wane's squad with withering comments about their quality.

From BBC