atrophy

/ˈætrəfi/
verb
  1. To waste away or shrink, especially a body part or tissue, due to lack of use or disease.
    • Without regular stimulation, the brain can atrophy in certain areas.
    • If you don't exercise, your muscles will atrophy over time.
    • The patient's leg muscles began to atrophy after the injury.
  2. To decline or lose effectiveness, strength, or vitality over time.
    • Democracy can atrophy when citizens stop participating in elections.
    • Her interest in the hobby atrophied after years of neglect.
    • The once-thriving community theater group began to atrophy as members moved away.
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun
  1. The gradual wasting away or shrinking of a body part, organ, or tissue, often from lack of use or disease.
    • After months in a cast, the muscle atrophy in his arm was noticeable.
    • The doctor explained that nerve damage can lead to muscle atrophy.
    • Physical therapy helps prevent atrophy in patients who are bedridden.
  2. A decline or loss of strength, effectiveness, or vitality in something non-physical, such as a skill, institution, or relationship.
    • Without practice, her language skills suffered from atrophy.
    • The company's customer service department experienced a slow atrophy of quality.
    • He worried about the atrophy of his memory as he grew older.
Antonyms
What does "atrophy" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean