Category:Impair

Im*pair", v. t. [imp & p. p. Impaired; p. pr. & vb. n. Impairing.] [Written also empair.] Etym: [OE. empeiren, enpeiren, OF. empeirier, empirier, F. empirer, LL. impejorare; L. pref. im- in + pejorare to make worse, fr. pejor worse. Cf. Appair.]

Defn: To make worse; to diminish in quantity, value, excellence, or strength; to deteriorate; as, to impair health, character, the mind, value. Time sensibly all things impairs. Roscommon. In years he seemed, but not impaired by years. Pope.

Syn. -- To diminish; decrease; injure; weaken; enfeeble; debilitate; reduce; debase; deteriorate.

impair Im*pair", v. t.

Defn: To grow worse; to deteriorate. Milton.

impair Im"pair, a. Etym: [F. impair uneven, L. impar; im- not + par equal.]

Defn: Not fit or appropriate. [Obs.]

impair Im*pair", n.

Defn: Diminution; injury. [Obs.]