atrophy, withering -- (any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use))
Overview of verb wither
The verb wither has 2 senses
shrivel, shrivel up, shrink, wither -- (wither, as with a loss of moisture; "The fruit dried and shriveled")
fade, wither -- (lose freshness, vigor, or vitality; "Her bloom was fading")
Overview of adj withering
The adj withering has 2 senses
annihilative, annihilating, devastating, withering -- (wreaking or capable of wreaking complete destruction; "possessing annihilative power"; "a devastating hurricane"; "the guns opened a withering fire")
annihilating, devastating, withering -- (making light of; "afire with annihilating invective"; "a devastating portrait of human folly"; "to compliments inflated I've a withering reply"- W.S.Gilbert)
(Sound)
