v.
Pronunciation: ' w ā
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 < weigh ing 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 scales
intransitive 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 weigh ed on my mind>
4 : to weigh anchor
synonyms see CONSIDER
– weigh · able \ ' w ā - ə -b ə l \ adjective
– weigh · er noun