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.