weaken

1. V-T/V-I If you weaken something or if it weakens, it becomes less strong or less powerful. 使虚弱; 变得虚弱

The recession has weakened so many businesses that many can no longer survive. 经济衰退削弱了很多企业的实力，以至于很多无法再生存下去。

Family structures are weakening and breaking up. 家庭结构正在弱化、崩溃。

2. V-T/V-I If your resolve weakens or if something weakens it, you become less determined or less certain about taking a particular course of action that you had previously decided to take. 动摇

I looked at the list and felt my resolve weakening. 我看着那张单子，感到我的决心开始动摇。

Jennie weakened, and finally relented. 珍妮犹豫一下，最终不再拒绝了。

3. V-T If something weakens you, it causes you to lose some of your physical strength. 使虚弱

Malnutrition obviously weakens the patient. 营养不良明显使病人虚弱无力。

4. V-T If something weakens an object, it does something to it that causes it to become less firm and more likely to break. 使松动

A bomb blast had weakened an area of brick on the back wall. 炸弹爆炸使后墙的块砖都松动了。