withering

/ˈwɪðərɪŋ/
adjective
  1. Expressing scorn, contempt, or disapproval in a way that makes someone feel crushed or humiliated.
    • His withering sarcasm made his colleague feel foolish.
    • She gave him a withering look that silenced the whole room.
    • The critic's withering review destroyed the play's reputation.
  2. Causing something to dry up, shrivel, or decay.
    • A withering disease spread through the vineyard, ruining the grapes.
    • The withering effects of age slowly took away her strength.
    • The withering heat of the desert killed all the plants.
noun
  1. The process of drying up, shriveling, or decaying.
    • The withering of hope in the community was sad to witness.
    • The withering of the leaves signaled the arrival of autumn.
    • Farmers worried about the withering of their crops during the drought.
What does "withering" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean