I. ˈwā 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 ˈwā-ə-bəl adjective
• weigh·er noun
II. noun
Etymology: alteration of way
Date: 1777
: way — used in the phrase under weigh