First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
languish
verb lan·guish \ˈlaŋ-gwish\
: to continue for a long time without activity or progress in an unpleasant or unwanted situation
Full Definition of LANGUISH
intransitive verb
1
a : to be or become feeble, weak, or enervated b : to be or live in a state of depression or decreasing vitality
2
a : to become dispirited b : to suffer neglect <the bill languished in the Senate for eight months>
3
: to assume an expression of grief or emotion appealing for sympathy
— lan·guish·er noun
— lan·guish·ing·ly \-gwi-shiŋ-lē\ adverb
— lan·guish·ment \-gwish-mənt\ noun
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Origin of LANGUISH
Middle English, from Anglo-French languiss-, stem of languir, from Vulgar Latin *languire, from Latin languēre
Related to LANGUISH
Rhymes with LANGUISH
LANGUISH Defined for Kids
languish
verb lan·guish \ˈlaŋ-gwish\
lan·guishedlan·guish·ing
Definition of LANGUISH for Kids
1
: to be or become weak, dull, or listless <“I don't feel good at all. I think I'm languishing …” — E. B. White, Charlotte's Web>
2
: to continue for a long time without activity or progress in an unpleasant or unwanted situation <The innocent man languished in prison.>
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