wilt

[ wilt ]

/ wɪlt /

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See synonyms for: wilt / wilted / wilting on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

to become limp and drooping, as a fading flower; wither.

to lose strength, vigor, assurance, etc.: to wilt after a day's hard work.

verb (used with object)

to cause to wilt.

noun Also wilt disease (for defs. 5b).

the act of wilting, or the state of being wilted: a sudden wilt of interest in the discussion.

Plant Pathology.

the drying out, drooping, and withering of the leaves of a plant due to inadequate water supply, excessive transpiration, or vascular disease.
a disease so characterized, as fusarium wilt.

a virus disease of various caterpillars, characterized by the liquefaction of body tissues.

OTHER WORDS FOR wilt

2 wane, droop; ebb, weaken.

See synonyms for wilt on Thesaurus.com

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Question 1 of 7

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of wilt

First recorded in 1685–95; dialectal variant of wilk “to wither,” itself variant of welk, Middle English welken, probably from Middle Dutch welken; compare German welk “withered”

Other definitions for wilt (2 of 2)

wilt²

[ wilt ]

/ wɪlt /

verb Archaic.

second person singular present indicative of will¹.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use wilt in a sentence

Most presidents bloom in office as the power of their rhetoric assumes the gravity of office, President Obama has wilted.
President Obama’s Belgian Waffle|Stuart Stevens|March 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Twelve euros for wilted lettuce topped with a pile of canned corn and other assorted veggies?
How America Killed French Cuisine|Kathleen Willcox|July 7, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Cook the onions, stirring frequently, until wilted and translucent, 8-10 minutes.
Salt Cod, Scampi, Filet of Grouper|The Daily Beast|December 23, 2008|DAILY BEAST
It was ten minutes before she raised her hand and pointed to a wilted but still effective screen.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton

When the plants are to be hung on lath they may be wilted before "stringing" or not, at the option of the grower.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
When wilted in the field there is often much damage done to the leaves whether they are sun-burnt or not.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
Mr. Bills kinder wilted after you all went out, and the whole thing flatted.
The Cromptons|Mary J. Holmes
The next moment it wilted, rolled downward with outstretched arms, and collapsed upon the gravel, an inert mass.
Overland|John William De Forest

British Dictionary definitions for wilt (1 of 2)

wilt¹

/ (wɪlt) /

verb

to become or cause to become limp, flaccid, or droopinginsufficient water makes plants wilt

to lose or cause to lose courage, strength, etc

(tr) to cook (a leafy vegetable) very briefly until it begins to collapse

noun

the act of wilting or state of becoming wilted

any of various plant diseases characterized by permanent wilting, usually caused by fungal parasites attacking the roots

Word Origin for wilt

C17: perhaps variant of wilk to wither, from Middle Dutch welken

British Dictionary definitions for wilt (2 of 2)