impair
verb/ɪmˈpɛr/
Frequency rank: #13,935 of 20,003 in the WORDED list (wordfreq data)
Meaning
to weaken or damage the ability, quality, or function of something.
Example sentence
Drinking alcohol before driving can seriously impair your ability to react quickly.
Synonyms & related words
More words in ranks 13,901–14,000
- husbandrythe care, cultivation, and management of crops and animals; careful and thrifty management of resources.
- hyperboleExaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally.
- hypotheticallyin a way that is based on a suggested idea or situation that may not be real.
- idlyin a lazy or inactive way; without purpose or effort.
- immobilenot moving; unable to move.
- kineticsthe branch of science concerned with the rates and mechanisms of chemical or physical processes.
- laymanA person who does not have specialized or professional knowledge in a particular field.
- layupa close-range shot in basketball made by laying the ball gently against the backboard.
- lifesplural form of 'life', referring to multiple existences or ways of living (informal/non-standard usage).
- macabreDisturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury.