droop

American  

[droop] / drup /

verb (used without object)

1. to sag, sink, bend, or hang down, as from weakness, exhaustion, or lack of support.

   Synonyms:

   languish, flag

2. to fall into a state of physical weakness; flag; fail.

   Synonyms:

   fade, wither, wilt, faint, decline, weaken

3. to lose spirit or courage.

4. to descend, as the sun; sink.

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verb (used with object)

1. to let sink or drop.

   an eagle drooping its wings.

noun

1. a sagging, sinking, bending, or hanging down, as from weakness, exhaustion, or lack of support.

droop British  

/ druːp /

verb

1. to sag or allow to sag, as from weakness or exhaustion; hang down; sink

2. (intr) to be overcome by weariness; languish; flag

3. (intr) to lose courage; become dejected

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noun

1. the act or state of drooping

Other Word Forms

• drooping adjective
• droopingly adverb
• redroop verb (used without object)
• undrooping adjective

Etymology

Origin of droop

1300–50; Middle English drupen, drowpen < Old Norse drūpa; akin to drop

Example Sentences

And there are plenty of hybrid creatures, apocalyptic nightmares, strange juxtapositions and drooping abnormalities of the melting-watch variety.

From The Wall Street Journal

According to the exhibition catalog, “Aso Oke” was inspired by the handwoven openwork fabric of Nigeria’s Yoruba people, as well as the drooping fila gobi ceremonial cap worn by Yoruba men.

From The Wall Street Journal

At least once, the side of his face drooped on national television.

From Salon

Twenty tails drooped down between four times as many legs.

From Literature

Misuse of Botox can cause drooping eyelids, blurred vision, headaches and, in rare cases, respiratory failure or paralysis.

From BBC

Related Words

• dangle
• sag
• slouch
• wilt
• wither