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View synonyms for

impair

1

[im-pair]

verb (used with object)

  1. to make or cause to become worse; diminish in ability, value, excellence, etc.; weaken or damage.

    to impair one's health;

    to impair negotiations.

    Antonyms:


verb (used without object)

  1. to grow or become worse; lessen.

noun

  1. Archaic.impairment.

impair

2

[an-per]

adjective

French.
  1. noting any odd number, especially in roulette.

impair

/ ɪˈɛə /

verb

  1. (tr) to reduce or weaken in strength, quality, etc

    his hearing was impaired by an accident

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • impairable adjective
  • impairer noun
  • impairment noun
  • nonimpairment noun
  • preimpairment noun
  • self-impairable adjective
  • self-impairing adjective
  • unimpairable adjective
  • ˈ貹Գ noun
  • ˈ貹 noun
  • ˈ貹 adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of impair1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English empairen, empeiren “to make worse,” from Middle French empeirer, from em- im- 1 + peirer “to make worse” (from Late Latin ŧō, verb derivative of Latin ŧǰ “wǰ”; pejoration )

Origin of impair2

First recorded in 1820–30; from French: literally, “odd,” from Latin “odd, unequal”; equivalent to im- 2 ( def. ) + pair 2 ( def. )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of impair1

C14: from Old French empeirer to make worse, from Late Latin ŧǰāre, from Latin pejor worse; see pejorative
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Synonym Study

See injure.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The tribunal concluded Prof Thompson's fitness to practise is impaired, but whether he will be sanctioned is still to be decided.

From

Their share prices are particularly badly affected because the president has both decimated their supply chain strategies, and also risks greatly impairing their brand image amongst global consumers.

From

Cervantes strenuously denied driving while impaired after news of her citation became known.

From

Both girls have long, dark hair and both are — or were — visually impaired, as is Wong herself.

From

In its only response to the book thus far, the Biden camp has asserted that the former president’s condition did not impair his ability to execute his duties in the White House.

From

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