Meaning of wither

with•er

1. to make flaccid, shrunken, or dry, as from loss of moisture; cause to lose freshness, bloom, vigor, etc.: The drought withered the buds.
2. to affect harmfully: Reputations were withered by the scandal.
3. to abash, as by a scathing glance: a look that withered him.

With•er

1. 1588–1667, English poet and pamphleteer.