droop

[droop]

verb (used without object)

1. to sag, sink, bend, or hang down, as from weakness, exhaustion, or lack of support.

   Synonyms: languish, flag

2. to fall into a state of physical weakness; flag; fail.

   Synonyms: fade, wither, wilt, faint, decline, weaken

3. to lose spirit or courage.

4. to descend, as the sun; sink.

verb (used with object)

1. to let sink or drop.

   an eagle drooping its wings.

noun

1. a sagging, sinking, bending, or hanging down, as from weakness, exhaustion, or lack of support.

droop

/ druːp /

verb

1. to sag or allow to sag, as from weakness or exhaustion; hang down; sink

2. (intr) to be overcome by weariness; languish; flag

3. (intr) to lose courage; become dejected

noun

1. the act or state of drooping

Other Word Forms

• droopingly adverb
• drooping adjective
• redroop verb (used without object)
• undrooping adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of droop¹

1300–50; Middle English drupen, drowpen < Old Norse drūpa; akin to drop

Word History and Origins

Origin of droop¹

C13: from Old Norse drūpa; see _drop

Example Sentences

A true rock ’n’ roll persona, the artist was once rarely seen without a drooping cigarette and a top hat, the latter of which could barely contain his face-engulfing curly hair.

From Los Angeles Times

Doctors at Sunderland Royal Hospital were initially baffled and diagnosed her with ptosis, an eye condition characterised by the drooping of the upper eyelid, and told her to go home to rest.

From BBC

Six overs in, England were 83-0 and it already felt the like the match was over as a contest as the shoulders of those wearing maroon started to droop.

From BBC

Signs like wilting, drooping, or changing colour could indicate that the heat is getting to your beloved leafy greens.

From BBC

The shrub — reportedly named for leaves that can droop and coil like poodle fur — primarily grows in Southern California in chaparral between roughly 3,300 to 7,500 feet, on granitic slopes and ridges.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dangle 
• sag 
• slouch 
• wilt 
• wither