impair

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ɪmˈpɛə(r)/ or /ɪmˈpɛː(r)/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ɪmˈpɛr/
• (AU) IPA ^(key): /ɪmˈpeə(r)/ or /ɪmˈpeː(r)/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form impair

Third-person singular impairs

Past tense impaired

Past participle impaired

Present participle impairing

1. (transitive) If something impairs you, it weakens or affects you negatively.

   Jet engines that are in operation can impair your hearing if you don't wear your earmuff.