WITHER

[verb] - (to cause) to become weak and dry and decayThe region's livelihood has been completely destroyed by drought, with the crops withering and the cattle dying. [I]The hot dry wind withered the plants. [T]She forgot to ask someone to water her plants while she was away over the summer and they withered (away) in the heat. [I](figurative) This country is in danger of allowing its industrial base to wither (away). [I](figurative) Public interest in the refugees soon withered (away) when the media no longer focused on their plight. [I]Something that withers on the vine disappears gradually rather than being destroyed suddenly.There was some debate as to whether the benefit scheme should be withdrawn or simply allowed to wither on the vine. [I]