Main Entry: im·pair

Pronunciation: \im-ˈper\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English empeiren, from Anglo-French empeirer, from Vulgar Latin *impejorare, from Latin in- + Late Latin pejorare to make worse — more at pejorative

Date: 14th century

: to damage or make worse by or as if by diminishing in some material respect <his health was impaired by overwork> <the strike seriously impaired community services>

synonyms see injure

— im·pair·er noun

— im·pair·ment \-mənt\ noun