To make or become less strong, powerful, or effective; to reduce in strength, intensity, or influence. Can apply to physical strength, arguments, structures, or resolve.
From Old English 'wāc' meaning 'soft, pliant, weak' plus the suffix '-en' to form a verb. The Germanic root is related to 'wake' (alert state) by contrast—weakness was seen as a lack of alertness or firmness.
Surprisingly, 'weak' and 'wake' come from related Germanic roots! The original idea was that being weak meant being too 'soft' or 'pliant'—not firm and alert like someone who is awake. It's the opposite of being rigid and strong.
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