Impair
To weaken, damage, or reduce the quality, ability, or function of something.
verbImpair
To weaken, damage, or reduce the quality, ability, or function of something.
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Imagine This
Imagine a high-performance bicycle that suddenly gets a jagged tire. The puncture impairs the bike's ability to roll smoothly, slowing the rider and making the ride unsafe.
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Sounds Like
IM-pair
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Looks Like
repair
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Remember This
Impair can describe both physical damage and diminished capability; it is often used with senses (impaired hearing, impaired vision) or systems (impaired judgment).
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Other Forms
impairmentnoun
impairingverb
impairedadjective
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Note
Impair is transitive; always needs a direct object (e.g., 'impair your judgment', 'impair the system'). Do not confuse with 'repair' (to fix).