<p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to shrivel; fade; decay: The grapes had withered on the vine</li><li>to lose the freshness of youth, as from age (often followed by away)</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to make flaccid, shrunken, or dry, as from loss of moisture; cause to lose freshness, bloom, vigor, etc.: The drought withered the buds</li><li>to affect harmfully: Reputations were withered by the scandal</li><li>to abash, as by a scathing glance: a look that withered him</li></ul>