Shrivels

To shrivel is to contract or wrinkle, usually due to loss of moisture or the effects of aging. It describes a process of diminishing in size, strength, or vitality. This can apply to physical objects like fruits and plants, but also to abstract concepts like hope or ambition. The term implies a drying out, a collapsing inward, or a loss of plumpness and resilience. It often suggests a decline from a previous, healthier or more vibrant state.

Shrivels meaning with examples

• The summer heat relentlessly shrivels the leaves of the plants if they aren't watered regularly. The once lush garden began to look desolate as the sun's scorching rays slowly sucked the life out of the tender foliage. It was a disheartening sight, this slow decay under the unforgiving sun, illustrating the power of nature.
• As the years passed, the artist’s vibrant spirit shrivels under the weight of constant rejection and financial hardship. His initial enthusiasm, like a plant deprived of sunlight, became a shadow of its former self. He no longer felt the creative fire that once blazed inside of him.
• The exposed apple shrivels and turns brown, a testament to the unavoidable effects of oxidation and time. Its once crisp skin becomes wrinkled as it slowly shrinks and deteriorates. The transformation of this formerly appealing fruit serves as a stark example of decay.
• Facing the harsh economic climate, small businesses across the country find their resources dwindling, and the opportunity for expansion, for a future is what shrivels. Faced with debt, lack of funds and customers they slowly reduce and eventually disappear. It is the death of a dream for some.
• The balloon, once inflated to its maximum size, slowly shrivels as the air within leaks. The colorful sphere, once capable of soaring the skies, now becomes soft and deflated. This is what happens in life, sometimes we start up with a lot of energy and it goes away with time.