weaken

This term describes a gradual loss of intensity, stability, or power. It is frequently used to describe the erosion of physical structures, the decline of health, or the fading of an emotional state like resolve or faith. The word carries a sense of attrition rather than a sudden break. In a social or political context, it often refers to the diminishing influence of an authority or the undermining of an argument. It suggests a transition from a state of robustness to one of vulnerability.