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View synonyms for impair

impair

1

[ im-pair ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to make or cause to become worse; diminish in ability, value, excellence, etc.; weaken or damage:

    to impair one's health;

    to impair negotiations.

    Antonyms: repair



verb (used without object)

  1. to grow or become worse; lessen.

noun

  1. Archaic. impairment.

impair

2

[ an-per ]

adjective

, French.
  1. noting any odd number, especially in roulette. Compare pair.

impair

/ ɪmˈpɛə /

verb

  1. tr to reduce or weaken in strength, quality, etc

    his hearing was impaired by an accident



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Derived Forms

  • imˈpairment, noun
  • imˈpairer, noun
  • imˈpairable, adjective

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Other Words From

  • im·paira·ble adjective
  • im·pairer noun
  • im·pairment noun
  • nonim·pairment noun
  • preim·pairment noun
  • self-im·paira·ble adjective
  • self-im·pairing adjective
  • unim·paira·ble adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of impair1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English empairen, empeiren “to make worse,” from Middle French empeirer, from em- im- 1 + peirer “to make worse” (from Late Latin pējōrāre, verb derivative of Latin pējor “worse”; pejoration )

Origin of impair2

First recorded in 1820–30; from French: literally, “odd,” from Latin impār “odd, unequal”; equivalent to im- 2( def ) + pair 2( def )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of impair1

C14: from Old French empeirer to make worse, from Late Latin pējorāre, from Latin pejor worse; see pejorative

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Synonym Study

See injure.

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Example Sentences

Formerly to impair the morals was a minor was a punishable offense.

In other words, researchers were able to prove that THC should, technically, impair driving, but not that it does.

Does Ambien impair judgment enough to drive one to violent crime?

A host of environmental influences more directly impair brain functioning in a way that predisposes to violence.

But recent research indicates that stress-inducing measures can actually impair memory.

They can never be taken from the capital, for this would impair it and, if continued, result in the insolvency of the corporation.

Such history never loses its interest, nor does the lapse of ages, in the least degree, impair its credibility.

Yes, there is that unchangeable oval cut of face, those features which time will never impair, that graceful and thoughtful brow.

That the acts in question impair this contract, has already been sufficiently shown.

They impair and take away the charter; and they appropriate the property to new uses, against their consent.

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