| 释义 |
in·firm
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 |