Impair
/ɪmˈpɛər/noun
To weaken or damage something.
Did you know?The root of 'impair' connects to ancient words meaning 'to make worse', reflecting how our actions can diminish our own power and potential.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
impairare
“To make worse or damage.”
Old French
Old French
empeirer
“To make worse or to impair.”
Middle English
Middle English
impairen
“To weaken or diminish.”
Modern English
English
impair
“To impair or damage in a general sense.”