Atrophy

As a Noun

1. The weakening or shrinking of muscles, organs, or body tissue due to lack of use or disease.
2. A decline or deterioration in ability, effectiveness, or strength over time.

As a Verb

1. To waste away or shrink due to disease, lack of use, or poor nutrition.
2. To decline in effectiveness or vigor due to neglect or lack of activity.

As Other Form

• Atrophic (Adjective): Relating to or affected by atrophy.

Word History

The word atrophy comes from the Greek atrophia, meaning “lack of nourishment” (a- meaning “without” and trophia meaning “nourishment”). It entered English through Latin and has been used to describe physical and metaphorical decline since the 17th century.

Examples

1. (Noun – Medical) Muscle atrophy can occur when a limb is immobilized for too long.
2. (Noun – Figurative) The atrophy of creativity happens when people stop challenging themselves.
3. (Verb – Medical) Without exercise, his leg muscles began to atrophy.
4. (Verb – Figurative) Her passion for painting atrophied over the years.

Synonyms

Wasting, deterioration, decline, degeneration, weakening

Related Words

Decay, shrinkage, disuse, loss

Antonyms

Growth, development, strengthening, improvement