impair
/ɪmˈpeə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪmˈper/ (ame, ipa) · /im-ˈper/ (ame, mw)
impair — verb
- impairpresent simple I / you / we / they
- impairshe / she / it
- impairedpast simple
- impairing-ing form
1. to cause something to become less powerful, useful, or effective — for example,
to cause something to become less powerful, useful, or effective — for example, when an injury impairs a person's ability to walk, or when a lack of sleep impairs their concentration.
Hassan's hearing was severely impaired by years of working near loud machinery without ear protection.
passive: be impaired by [cause]
Chitra's vision was impaired by a car accident, so she wears glasses to drive.
impair + noun phrase (vision)
Drinking too much coffee late at night can temporarily impair your ability to fall asleep.
Poor nutrition as a child can permanently impair a person's growth and brain development.
Boris could not read the small print on the bottle because of his impaired eyesight.
- damage
More general and physical; damage can mean breaking or harming something physically, while impair is about reduced function.
- weaken
Focuses on loss of strength; weaker than impair in formality and impact.
- hinder
Focuses on creating obstacles or delays, not permanent reduction of ability.
- undermine
Often used abstractly (e.g. confidence, authority); implies gradual, hidden damage.
- improve
To make something better or more effective, the direct opposite of impair.
- strengthen
To make something stronger or more powerful.
文法句型
impair + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used in medical or health contexts when describing damage to the body, senses, or mental functions. The subject is often a disease, injury, substance, or environmental factor rather than a person.