Main Entry: ¹weigh

Pronunciation: \ˈwā\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English weyen, from Old English wegan to move, carry, weigh — more at way

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb 1 : to ascertain the heaviness of by or as if by a balance
2 a : outweigh b : counterbalance c : to make heavy : weight —often used with down
3 : to consider carefully especially by balancing opposing factors or aspects in order to reach a choice or conclusion : evaluate <weighing her options>
4 : to heave up (an anchor) preparatory to sailing
5 : to measure or apportion (a definite quantity) on or as if on a scalesintransitive verb 1 a : to have a certain heaviness : experience a specific force due to gravity b : to register a weight (as on a scales) —used with in or out — compare weigh in
2 : to merit consideration as important : count <evidence will weigh heavily against him>
3 a : to press down with or as if with a heavy weight b : to have a saddening or disheartening effect <guilt weighed on my mind>
4 : to weigh anchor

synonyms see consider

— weigh·able \ˈwā-ə-bəl\ adjective

— weigh·er noun