Withering

Withering refers to the process by which something becomes dry, shriveled, or weakened, often due to lack of nourishment, water, or vitality. This term is frequently used in both literal contexts, such as the wilting of plants, and metaphorical contexts, describing a person's spirit or confidence diminishing. The concept conveys a sense of loss, decline, or decay, whether in nature or human emotions.

Withering meaning with examples

• After several weeks without rain, the garden was left withering, the flowers drooping sadly as if mourning their lost vibrancy. The once-thriving ecosystem had transformed into a barren landscape, serving as a stark reminder of nature’s fragility and the importance of water for sustaining life.
• Her withering words cut through the tension in the room, leaving everyone in stunned silence. Each carefully chosen phrase felt like a blade, slicing through pretense and revealing the raw emotions that had been suppressed for too long, leaving an atmosphere heavy with unease.
• The withering stare of the teacher made it clear that the late homework would not be tolerated. Students shifted uncomfortably in their seats, realizing that this was not just a simple reprimand but a lesson in accountability they would not easily forget.
• As autumn approached, the leaves began withering, their vibrant greens fading into brittle browns and yellows. It was a beautiful yet melancholic transformation, signaling the end of summer and the inevitability of change that nature must embrace yearly.
• His withering self-esteem was evident in his reluctance to participate in social gatherings. Once a lively conversationalist, he now retreated into the shadow of his insecurities, reluctant to reveal the lighthearted personality he once freely expressed.