Withering

Full definition of withering

Adjective

1. Tending to destroy, devastate, overwhelm or cause complete destruction.The D-Day troops came under withering fire.
2. Diminishing rapidly.The playboy seemed oblivious to his withering fortune as he continued in his decadent lifestyle.
3. Tending to make someone feel small; scornful in a mortifying way.Jane's mother in law gave her a withering look.He made withering remarks about his adversary.

Verb

1. Present participle of wither

Noun

1. The act of something that withers.
• 1839, William Jenkyn, ‎James Sherman, An Exposition Upon the Epistle of Jude (page 274)Spiritual witherings and decayings are opposite to the word of God.