affaiblir

to weaken

verb ah-feh-BLEER Rare

Origin: Old French, from 'faible' (weak)

Usage Note

Affaiblir is a regular -ir verb. The reflexive s'affaiblir means 'to grow weaker'. The related noun is affaiblissement (weakening). It contrasts with renforcer (to strengthen) and fortifier (to fortify).

Examples

"La maladie l'a beaucoup affaibli."

Natural Translation

The illness weakened him a great deal.

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