Im*pair" (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Impaired (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Impairing.] [Written also empair.] [OE.
empeiren, enpeiren, OF. empeirier,
empirier, F. empirer, LL. impejorare; L. pref.
im- in + pejorare to make worse, fr. pejor
worse. Cf. Appair.] To make worse; to diminish in
quantity, value, excellence, or strength; to deteriorate; as, to
impair health, character, the mind, value.
Time sensibly all things impairs.
Roscommon.
In years he seemed, but not impaired by
years.
Pope.
Syn. -- To diminish; decrease; injure; weaken; enfeeble;
debilitate; reduce; debase; deteriorate.
Im*pair", v. t. To grow worse; to
deteriorate. Milton.
Im"pair (?), a. [F. impair
uneven, L. impar; im- not + par equal.] Not
fit or appropriate. [Obs.]
Im*pair" (?), n. Diminution;
injury. [Obs.]
