wither away
To slowly dry up and die or get weaker, like a plant that isn't watered.
Meanings
Of a plant or living thing: to dry out, shrink, and die gradually.
"Without any rain for weeks, the flowers in the garden began to wither away."
Of a person: to become physically weaker and thinner, especially through illness or old age.
"He watched his grandfather wither away in the hospital over the course of the winter."
Of an institution, idea, or feeling: to gradually lose strength and importance until it disappears.
"Their friendship withered away after they moved to different cities and stopped keeping in touch."
""The state will wither away.""
— Friedrich Engels, summarising Marx's theory of the state in 'Anti-Dühring', 1878.
Used both literally (plants, bodies) and figuratively (institutions, hopes, relationships). The figurative use is very common in political and philosophical writing. Often carries a sad or mournful tone. Associated with Marxist theory ('the state will wither away').
Commonly used with
Forms
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