weaken

/ˈwiːkən/ v.
标准词条 CET-4CET-6IELTS
一句话记住

使虚弱；变弱；削弱；使动摇

释义与例句

v. 使虚弱；变弱
to make someone or something physically less strong, or to become physically less strong
  1. The illness had severely weakened his heart.
    这场病使他的心脏功能严重减弱。
  2. Lack of exercise can weaken muscles over time.
    长期缺乏锻炼会使肌肉变弱。
展开其余 1 条例句
  1. The bridge supports weakened after years of exposure to salt water.
    多年受海水侵蚀后，桥梁支撑结构变脆弱了。
v. 削弱；使动摇
to reduce the power, effectiveness, influence, or determination of someone or something
  1. The scandal weakened public confidence in the council.
    这桩丑闻削弱了公众对市议会的信任。
  2. Repeated setbacks did not weaken her determination to qualify as a doctor.
    接连的挫折并没有动摇她取得医生资格的决心。
展开其余 1 条例句
  1. High interest rates may weaken demand for new housing.
    高利率可能会削弱新房需求。

词源与构词

记忆钩子 weaken 既可指身体“变弱”，也可指削弱信心、决心、经济需求等抽象力量。

词族与关联词

词族（同一词根派生出的不同词性或形式）
  • weak 虚弱的；软弱的；薄弱的
    weaken 的形容词词基，可描述体力、能力、影响力或论证力度不足。
  • weakness 虚弱；弱点；缺陷
    weaken 的对应名词，指缺乏力量或强度，也可指人、制度或计划中的弱点。
同义词
  • undermine 逐渐削弱；损害
    weaken 是泛指变弱或使变弱；undermine 多指逐步侵蚀信任、权威或地位，常带隐蔽、渐进之意。
    False rumours can undermine trust between colleagues. 不实传言会逐渐损害同事之间的信任。
反义词
  • strengthen 加强；增强
    strengthen 是 weaken 的直接反义词，可用于体力、关系、制度或论证等由弱变强的语境。
    Regular training will strengthen your leg muscles. 定期锻炼会增强你的腿部肌肉。
常见搭配
  • weaken the immune system 削弱免疫系统
    Chronic sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system. 长期睡眠不足会削弱免疫系统。
  • weaken someone's resolve 动摇某人的决心
    Nothing could weaken her resolve to finish the course. 什么都无法动摇她完成这门课程的决心。
  • severely weakened 严重削弱的；大为虚弱的
    The rescue team found him alive but severely weakened. 救援队发现他还活着，但身体极度虚弱。