Impair: meaning, definitions and examples
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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.
|
| 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.
|
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.
|
| hinder |
Used when something causes delay or forces a slower progress, usually less intense and more temporary compared to 'impair'.
|
| obstruct |
Used when something blocks or prevents movement or progress, often used in physical contexts but can be metaphorical.
|
| 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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "impair" in other languages:
🇵🇹 prejudicar
🇮🇳 क्षति पहुँचाना
🇩🇪 beeinträchtigen
🇮🇩 merugikan
🇺🇦 пошкоджувати
🇵🇱 uszkadzać
🇯🇵 損なう (そこなう)
🇫🇷 endommager
🇪🇸 perjudicar
🇹🇷 zarar vermek
🇰🇷 손상시키다 (손상시키다)
🇸🇦 يضر
🇨🇿 poškodit
🇸🇰 poškodiť
🇨🇳 损害 (sǔnhài)
🇸🇮 poškodovati
🇮🇸 skaða
🇰🇿 зиян келтіру
🇬🇪 დააზიანო
🇦🇿 zərər vermək
🇲🇽 perjudicar