Impair Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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impair
[ɪmˈpɛr ]
Definitions
to cause damage
To impair means to weaken, damage, or make something less effective. It is often used to describe a decrease in the quality or ability of something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impair |
Use when referring to the weakening of strength, quality, or function, often related to health or capabilities.
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| weaken |
Use when referring to making something less strong or less effective, often physically but also in abstract senses like arguments or feelings.
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| damage |
Use when referring to physical harm or destruction to objects, property, or less often to emotional harm. This word has negative connotations.
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| diminish |
Use when referring to a decrease in size, strength, or importance over time. This word is often used in a more abstract sense.
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Examples of usage
- The accident impaired his vision.
- Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function.
to hinder or interfere with
To impair can also mean to hinder or interfere with the proper functioning of something, such as a process or system.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impair |
Used to describe something that weakens or damages a condition or function, often in a long-term or permanent way.
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| hinder |
Used when something causes delay or forces a slower progress, usually less intense and more temporary compared to 'impair'.
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| obstruct |
Used when something blocks or prevents movement or progress, often used in physical contexts but can be metaphorical.
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| disrupt |
Used when something interrupts or causes disorder, typically in a sudden or dramatic way.
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Examples of usage
- The storm impaired the delivery of goods.
- The strike impaired the company's operations.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Impairment often refers to a reduction in mental or physical functions, such as memory or mobility.
- Cognitive impairments can affect daily functioning, impacting learning and social interactions.
- Certain substances, like alcohol, can temporarily impair judgment and motor skills, highlighting the connection between psychology and physical actions.
Health
- Impairment is often used in healthcare to describe the impact of diseases on a person's physical or mental capabilities.
- Conditions like diabetes or arthritis are examples where bodily functions can be impaired, affecting quality of life.
- Early detection of impairments can lead to better management and recovery options.
Technology
- In tech, the term is often applied to the limitations in system performance or functionality.
- Software bugs can impair user experience, making it difficult to navigate applications.
- Cybersecurity threats may impair data integrity, leading to compromised systems.
Literature
- In literature, characters may experience impairments that symbolize their struggles or obstacles, adding depth to their journeys.
- The theme of impairment is often used in poetry to explore the fragility of human nature.
- Classic novels sometimes depict emotional or psychological impairments to create relatable characters.
Origin of 'impair'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'impairare,' which means to make worse or damage.
- It has roots in the Old French word 'empeirer' which means to make worse or to harm.
- The prefix 'im-' indicates negation, while 'pair' relates to something being equal or completed.
The word 'impair' originated from the Old French word 'empairer', which means 'to make worse'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, 'impair' has retained its meaning of causing damage or making something less effective.