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1. Sharply critical or damaging
   "to compliments inflated I've a withering reply";
   - annihilating, devastating

1. Any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use)
   - atrophy

1. Become dry, thin and weak or dead due to loss of water
   "The fruit dried and withered";
   - shrivel, shrivel up, shrink
    
2. Lose freshness, vigour, or vitality
   "Her bloom was withering";
   - fade

Derived forms: witherings

See also: disrespectful

Type of: decrease, diminish, disappear, fall, go away, lessen, vanish, weakening

Encyclopedia: Withering, William