I. (ˈ)in|fərm, ənˈf-, -fə̄m, -fəim adjective
Etymology: Middle English infirme, from Latin infirmus, infirmis, from in- in- (I) + firmus strong, firm — more at firm
1. : not strong or sound physically : of poor or deteriorated vitality especially as a result of age : feeble
infirm body
support of the poor, the insane, and the infirm — Calvin Coolidge
2. : weak of mind, will, or character : frail , irresolute , vacillating
infirm judgment
infirm of purpose: give me the daggers — Shakespeare
3. : not solid or stable : insecure , precarious
rendered this agreeable assumption … permanently infirm — Berton Roueché
Synonyms: see weak
II. ə̇nˈf- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English infirmen, from Latin infirmare, from infirmus infirm
1. obsolete : to make infirm : deprive of strength : weaken
2.
a. : to make doubtful or challenge the validity of
b. : invalidate
either to confirm or to infirm allegations of fact
• in·firm·able -məbəl adjective