51Թ

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View synonyms for

languish

[lang-gwish]

verb (used without object)

  1. to be or become weak or feeble; droop; fade.

    Whether the plant thrives or languishes and dies is heavily dependent on the climate.

  2. to lose vigor and vitality.

    Though she was once full of energy, her illness had caused her to languish.

  3. to undergo neglect or experience prolonged inactivity; suffer hardship and distress.

    to languish in prison for ten years.

  4. to be subjected to delay or disregard; be ignored.

    a petition that languished on the warden's desk for a year.

  5. to pine with desire or longing.

  6. to assume an expression of tender, sentimental melancholy.



noun

  1. Archaic.the act or state of being neglected, losing vigor, or becoming weak.

  2. Archaic.a tender, melancholy look or expression.

languish

/ ˈæŋɡɪʃ /

verb

  1. to lose or diminish in strength or energy

  2. (often foll by for) to be listless with desire; pine

  3. to suffer deprivation, hardship, or neglect

    to languish in prison

  4. to put on a tender, nostalgic, or melancholic expression

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • languisher noun
  • ˈԲܾ󾱲Բ adverb
  • ˈԲܾ󳾱Գ noun
  • ˈԲܾ󾱲Բ adjective
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of languish1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Middle French languiss-, long stem of languir, from Latin Բŧ “to languish”; akin to laxus lax; -ish 2
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of languish1

C14 languishen, from Old French languiss-, stem of languir, ultimately from Latin Բŧ
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Many Palestinian prisoners languish in what Israel calls “administrative detention,” a status created for Palestinians that allows lengthy detention without charge.

From

The bill languished for more than a year before he could revive it.

From

Among them were far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called it a "grave mistake" that would "fuel Hamas and give it oxygen while our hostages languish in tunnels".

From

With both sides languishing in the bottom half of the table, securing a European trophy - and a place in next season's Champions League - would ensure they finish the campaign on a high.

From

According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, inventory rose in March, homes are languishing longer on market and people are staying put.

From

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