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im·pair ( m-pâr )tr.v. im·paired, im·pair·ing, im·pairs To cause to diminish, as in strength, value, or quality: an injury that impaired my hearing; a severe storm impairing communications.
[Middle English empairen, from Old French empeirer, from Vulgar Latin *imp i r re : Latin in-, causative pref.; see in-2 + Late Latin p i r re, to worsen (from Latin p ior, worse; see ped- in Indo-European roots).]
im·pair ment n. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Noun | 1. | impairment - the occurrence of a change for the worsealteration, change, modification - an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another; "the change was intended to increase sales"; "this storm is certainly a change for the worse"; "the neighborhood had undergone few modifications since his last visit years ago" ravel, ladder, run - a row of unravelled stitches; "she got a run in her stocking" | | 2. | impairment - a symptom of reduced quality or strengthdecay - an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying; "the corpse was in an advanced state of decay"; "the house had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair" corrosion - a state of deterioration in metals caused by oxidation or chemical action wear - impairment resulting from long use; "the tires showed uneven wear" | | 3. | impairment - the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness; "reading disability"; "hearing impairment"anorgasmia - absence of an orgasm in sexual relations dysphasia - an impairment of language (especially speech production) that is usually due to brain damage unfitness, softness - poor physical condition; being out of shape or out of condition (as from a life of ease and luxury) astasia - inability to stand due to muscular incoordination amputation - a condition of disability resulting from the loss of one or more limbs dysomia - impairment of the sense of smell pigeon toes - disability in which the toes are turned inward; often associated with knock-knee disintegration - a loss (or serious disruption) of organization in some system; "a disintegration of personality" | | 4. | impairment - damage that results in a reduction of strength or quality | | 5. | impairment - the act of making something futile and useless (as by routine) |
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