Atrophies

Atrophies (verb) describes the process of gradual decline or wasting away of an organ, tissue, or part of the body, often due to disuse, disease, or lack of nourishment. This decline involves a decrease in size, weakening of function, and potential loss of cells. Beyond physical contexts, 'atrophies' can also depict the weakening or decline of abstract concepts like skills, industries, or social structures. The term emphasizes a shrinking or deterioration that can, in some cases, be reversed with intervention, while in other cases, it can be permanent, leading to significant functional impairment or even complete loss.

Atrophies meaning with examples

• If a limb is immobilized for a prolonged period, the muscles will begin to atrophy, becoming significantly smaller and weaker due to the lack of use. Physical therapy is often used to reverse this process.
• Without consistent practice, a musician's instrumental skills may atrophy. Their dexterity and musical understanding will lessen as the connections in their brain responsible for performance weaken.
• The neglected garden, overgrown with weeds and lacking water, saw its once vibrant flowers and vegetables atrophy; they slowly faded and ceased to flourish, signifying the decline due to environmental factors.
• Due to budget cuts and lack of investment, the city's infrastructure, including its public transport system, began to atrophy, leading to increased inefficiency and reduced services for the residents.
• Over time, his memory for details of his childhood began to atrophy as new experiences and memories filled his mind. Those early experiences became less readily accessible with the passage of time.