impair

IMPA'IR, v.t. [L. pejor.]

1. To make worse; to diminish in quantity, value or excellence. An estate is impaired by extravagance or neglect. The profligate impairs his estate and his reputation.

Imprudence impairs a man's usefulness.

2. To weaken; to enfeeble. The constitution is impaired by intemperance, by infirmity and by age. The force of evidence may be impaired by the suspicion of interest in the witness.

IMPA'IR, v.i. To be lessened or worn out. [Little used.]