wither

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with·er / ˈwi[voicedth]ər/ • v. 1. [intr.] (of a plant) become dry and shriveled: the grass had withered to an unappealing brown | [as adj.] (withered) withered leaves. ∎  (of a person, limb, or the skin) become shrunken or wrinkled from age or disease: [as adj.] (withered) a girl with a withered arm. ∎  cease to flourish; fall into decay or decline: programs would wither away if they did not command local support.2. [tr.] cause harm or damage to: a business that can wither the hardiest ego. ∎  mortify (someone) with a scornful look or manner: she withered me with a look.PHRASES: wither on the vine fail to be implemented or dealt with because of neglect or inaction.

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