impair
1[ im-pair ]
/ ɪmˈpɛər /
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verb (used with object)
to make or cause to become worse; diminish in ability, value, excellence, etc.; weaken or damage: to impair one's health; to impair negotiations.
verb (used without object)
to grow or become worse; lessen.
noun
Archaic. impairment.
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Origin of impair
11250–1300; Middle English empairen, empeiren “to make worse,” from Middle French empeirer, equivalent to em- im-1 + peirer “to make worse,” from Late Latin pējōrāre, equivalent to Latin pējōr-, stem of pējor “worse” + -ā- thematic vowel + -re infinitive suffix; cf. pejorative
synonym study for impair
1. See injure.
OTHER WORDS FROM impair
Other definitions for impair (2 of 2)
impair2
[ an-per ]
/ ɛ̃ˈpɛr /
adjective French.
noting any odd number, especially in roulette.
Compare pair.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use impair in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for impair
impair
/ (ɪmˈpɛə) /
verb
(tr) to reduce or weaken in strength, quality, etchis hearing was impaired by an accident
Derived forms of impair
impairable, adjectiveimpairer, nounimpairment, nounWord Origin for impair
C14: from Old French empeirer to make worse, from Late Latin pējorāre, from Latin pejor worse; see pejorative
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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