wither WITH-er verb WS #43

to dry up and shrivel from loss of moisture; to fade or decay; to cause to lose vitality, force, or freshness; to make someone feel defeated or humiliated by a scornful look or remark

1. The flowers began to wither in the intense heat when no one remembered to water them.
2. The ancient manuscript had begun to wither with age, its pages becoming brittle and fragile.
3. His confidence started to wither under the constant criticism from his demanding supervisor.
4. Her dreams of becoming a professional dancer seemed to wither after the devastating knee injury.
5. The teacher's withering glare was enough to make the misbehaving student immediately stop talking.