Definition of IMPAIR

impair

Plural: impair, impairs

Verb

Verb Forms: impaired, impairing, impairs

  • To weaken or damage something; to make it worse.
  • make worse or less effective
    • "His vision was impaired"
  • make imperfect
  • To weaken; to affect negatively; to have a diminishing effect on.
  • To grow worse; to deteriorate.

Adj

  • Not fit or appropriate; unsuitable.

Noun

  • The act of impairing or deteriorating.
  • The fact of being impaired or having grown worse.
  • An impairment or deterioration.

Examples

  • His lack of vocabulary seemed to impair his ability to score high in Scrabble.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English impairen, empeiren, from Old French empeirier, from Early Medieval Latin impeiōrāre, from in- + Late Latin peiōrāre (“worsen”), from peiōrem (“worse”), comparative of malus (“bad”).

Scrabble Score: 10

impair: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
impair: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
impair: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 12

impair: valid Words With Friends Word