To droop or become limp and weak, usually when a plant loses water or a person becomes tired and discouraged.
From Old English and Germanic origins meaning to turn or wither. The word has described drooping plants since at least the 1600s, and metaphorically extended to describe losing energy or confidence.
Athletes and coaches use 'don't wilt under pressure' meaning don't collapse when things get hard—it's a perfect plant metaphor because just like flowers wilt without water, people lose their strength without encouragement.
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