intransitive verb

1. to dry up, as from great heat; shrivel; wilt: said esp. of plants
2. to lose vigor or freshness; become wasted or decayed
3. to weaken; languish affection that soon withered

Etymology: ME widren, var. of wederen, lit., to weather, expose to the weather < weder, weather

transitive verb

1. to cause to wither
2. to cause to quail or feel abashed, as by a scornful glance