languishn.

Brit.

/ˈlaŋɡwɪʃ/, U.S.

/ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ/

Forms: Middle English languisch, Middle English languysch, Middle English langwysch, Middle English–1500s languishe, Middle English–1500s languysshe, 1500s– languish, 1800s langwidge (Scottish).

Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: languish v.

Etymology: < languish v. Compare Middle French languiz languor (14th cent. in an isolated attestation). Compare languishing n. and earlier languor n.

†a. An illness, a bout of weakness. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > [noun]

unhealc700

untrumnessc897

adleeOE

sicknessc967

cothec1000

unhealthc1000

woe?a1200

ail?c1225

lying?c1225

maladyc1275

unsoundc1275

feebless1297

languora1375

languishc1384

disease1393

aegritudea1400

lamea1400

maleasea1400

soughta1400

wilc1400

malefaction?a1425

firmityc1426

unwholesomenessc1449

ill1450

languenta1500

distemperancea1535

the valley of the shadow of death1535

affect?1537

affection?1541

distemperature1541

inability1547

sickliness1565

languishment1576

cause1578

unhealthfulness1589

crazedness1593

languorment1593

evilness1599

strickenness1599

craziness1602

distemper1604

unsoundness1605

invaletude1623

unhealthiness1634

achaque1647

unwellness1653

disailment1657

insalubrity1668

faintiness1683

queerness1687

invalidity1690

illness1692

ill health1698

ailment1708

illing1719

invalescence1724

peakingness1727

sickishness1727

valetudinariness1742

ailingness1776

brash1786

invalidism1794

poorliness1814

diseasement1826

invalidship1830

valetudinarianism1839

ailing1862

invalidhood1863

megrims1870

pourriture1890

immersement1903

bug1918

condition1920

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Royal) (1850) Luke vi. 18 Languisches [Douce 369(2) peple..camen..that thei schulden be heelid of her langwischingis].

c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) 2810 (MED) Bot now a langour me lettis..Slike a seknes..Þat I ne may streyne me..Bot lyse in langwysches & lokis quen my lyfe endis.

b. Chiefly poetic. The action or state of languishing; languor; an instance of this (rare).

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > [noun] > weakness

faintise1297

weaknessa1300

faintc1320

feebleness1340

languishingc1384

lamea1400

unferea1400

unferenessa1400

unwielda1400

impotence1406

imbecility?a1425

languisha1425

languoringa1438

unwieldness1437

faintnessa1440

impotency1440

infirmityc1440

debility1484

unlustiness1486

resolution1547

unwieldiness1575

languishment1576

infirmness1596

weakness1603

prostrationa1626

exolution1634

languidness1634

prosternation1650

faintingnessa1661

debilitude1669

flaccidity1676

atony1693

puniness1727

faintishness1733

adynamia1743

asthenia1802

adynamy1817

weakliness1826

tonelessness1873

atonicity1900

a1425 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1869) I. 198 Crist was..occupied in heeling of syke men, and men þat were in languishe.

1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. lviij^v/2 Of the languysshe that was comyng to Charles, he wyste not, how sone it was comyng.

1562 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Æneid ix. B b iij b The purple floure that..In languish withering dies.

1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. ii. 47 One desperate griefe cures with anothers languish .

1613 W. Browne Britannia's Pastorals I. i. 11 Faire Nymph surcease this death alluring languish.

1682 T. Amy Carolina 19 It..being..admirable in the languishes of the Spirit Faintings.

1718 Entertainer xix. 129 Religion is upon the Languish, and only the Ghost of Godliness remains.

1833 H. Coleridge Poems I. 118 A long record of perishable languish.

1887 Gordon-Haven 90 Remember a'them 'ts lyin' on a bed o' langwidge.

1913 W. Lewis Let. Oct. (1963) 49 The Idol is still Prettiness, with its mid-Victorian languish of the neck.

a1924 M. Ghose Coll. Poems (1970) 73 In sullen languish They on the planks confer.

2005 N.Y. Mag. 7 Nov. 9 (advt.) It projects a promise of pleasant reading, long languishes in front of the TV..and..slow, lazy, never-ending awakenings.

†2. A tender or amorous look or glance. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > a look or glance > [noun] > tender look

languish1712

1712 S. Cobb Callipædia i. 5 Some Eyes all Hearts with lively grey subdue, Some with the Languish of the lovely blue.

1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad V. xviii. 50 The blue Languish of soft Alia's Eye.

1728 J. Thomson Spring 50 Then forth He walks, Beneath the trembling Languish of her Beams.

1746 H. Walpole Let. 24 Oct. in Corr. (1974) XXXVII. 261 His eyes..had..a certain melancholy swimmingness that described hopeless love, rather than a natural amorous languish.

1802 W. Irving Lett. Jonathan Oldstyle in Morning Chron. (N.Y.) 4 Dec. 2/4 An arch glance in one box was rivalled by a smile in another;..and in a fourth, a most bewitching languish carried all before it.

1864 J. Anster tr. J. W. von Goethe Faustus: 2nd Pt. ii. 182 What means this leer and languish?.. You act the lover wretchedly.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2008; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

languishv.

Brit.

/ˈlaŋɡwɪʃ/, U.S.

/ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ/

Forms: Middle English langage, Middle English languesse, Middle English languist (past tense), Middle English languscht (past tense), Middle English langusshe, Middle English languste (past tense), Middle English languys, Middle English languysce, Middle English languysch, Middle English languyssche, Middle English languysse, Middle English langvisse, Middle English langvisshe, Middle English langvist (past tense), Middle English langwesse, Middle English langwische, Middle English langwisse, Middle English langwys (in a late copy), Middle English langwysse, Middle English langwyssh, Middle English–1500s languisse, Middle English–1500s languisshe, Middle English–1500s languysshe, Middle English–1500s langwishe, Middle English–1500s langwisshe, Middle English–1500s langwysshe, Middle English–1600s languyshe, 1500s languysh, 1500s–1600s language, 1500s–1600s languishe, 1500s–1600s langvish, 1500s– languish, 1800s langwish (nonstandard, rare); Scottish pre-1700 langis, pre-1700 languis, pre-1700 languisch, pre-1700 languishe, pre-1700 langwis, pre-1700 langwische, pre-1700 langwish, pre-1700 langwiss, pre-1700 1700s– languish.

Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymons: French languiss-, languir.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French languiss-, extended stem (compare -ish suffix²) of languir (French languir ) to droop in spirits, to pine or brood, to be dejected, especially because of lovesickness (c1130 in Old French; frequently in French courtly romances), to exist in a state of weakness or illness, to be sick (c1140 in Anglo-Norman), to live in an oppressive or dispiriting place, situation, or condition (late 13th cent. or earlier), (of an activity or plan) to fail to make progress, to be unsuccessful (mid 14th cent.), to yearn (for something) (c1465) < post-classical Latin languire (6th cent.), alteration (with change of conjugation) of classical Latin languēre to be faint, feeble, to be unwell, sick, to be languid, drowsy, to droop, wilt, to be dim or faint, to be weak or feeble, to be idle or inert, probably < the same Indo-European base as classical Latin laxus lax adj. and slack adj. Compare Old Occitan, Occitan languir (a1150), Catalan llanguir (13th cent.), Italian languire (13th cent.). Compare languor v. and the French forms cited at that entry.In Anglo-Norman a form languisser , in which the extended stem has been generalized to all forms, is also occasionally attested (a1412 or earlier). The forms langage , language show voicing of the final sibilant. With the transitive use in sense 3a compare Middle French languir to cause (a person) to languish (a1352 in an apparently isolated attestation) and also Middle French, French alanguir , †allanguir (late 16th cent. in Montaigne: compare quot. 1603 at sense 3a; < a- ad- prefix + languir ). With to languish out (see sense 3b) compare French élanguir (16th cent. in Middle French as eslanguir ; < es- ex- prefix¹ + languir).

a. intransitive. Of a person, animal, or plant: to decline in health; to weaken, wither, or become faint; to exist in a state of weakness or illness. In early use also: †to be sick of (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > be in ill health [verb (intransitive)] > be weak > become weak

of-fall?a1200

fail?c1225

wastea1300

languisha1325

defail1340

languora1375

defaulta1382

wastea1387

faintc1450

mortifyc1475

hink?a1500

traik?a1513

droopc1540

unquick1595

macerate1598

dodder1617

lachanize1623

smartle1673

break1726

go1748

sink1780

wilt1787

falter1799

weaken1886

to go down1892

to go out of curl1924

the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > weariness or exhaustion > become weary or exhausted [verb (intransitive)] > break down, collapse, or faint

fail?c1225

swoonc1290

languisha1325

talmc1325

sinkc1400

faintc1440

droopc1540

collapse1879

crock1893

to flake (out)1942

the world > health and disease > ill health > be in ill health [verb (intransitive)]

sicka1150

langernc1440

aila1500

peak1580

languisha1616

suffer1800

underfunction1941

a1325 [implied in: Statutes of Realm (2011) vii. 53 Foralsemuche ase schirreuen..weren iwoned to greuen hoere vnderlinges, to puten hoem in assisene, ant in iurees, languissende men, ant krokede men, ant men of lastinde vuel..on þilke manere to nimen of hoere katel to suffri sume atorne.(at languishing adj. 1a)].

c1350 Psalter (BL Add. 17376) in K. D. Bülbring Earliest Compl. Eng. Prose Psalter (1891) lxxxvii. 9 (MED) Ich am ȝeuen in languor, and y ne went nouȝt out fram hym; min eȝen languissed [L. languerunt] for me saif [read mesais].

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Dan. viii. 27 Y, Danyel, languyshide [L. langui] and was seeke by ful manye days.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 14138 In his sekenes he languist [Trin. Cambr. lenged] sua, Þat he na fote had might to ga.

?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 9419 Bedrede long he lay & languysced [a1450 Lamb. languissed] fro day to day.

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. ccxvii He lastly fell in a greuouse sykenesse..And so languysshynge by the space of thre yeres more before he dyed.

1584 W. Allen True Def. Eng. Catholiques ix. 216 The greater part wherof languisheth away in bodie and soule most lamentablie, onlie vpon an obstinate punto & formalitie.

a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) i. i. 30 Ros. What is it..the King languishes of? Laf. A Fistula my Lord.

1631 R. Bolton Instr. Right Comf. Affl. Consciences 196 Some, for the losse of an over-loved child..have languished, fallen into a consumption, and lost their owne lives.

1680 T. Otway Orphan iv. 54 Desire shall languish like a withering Flower.

1722 R. Bradley Gen. Treat. Husbandry II. 281 The free growing Trees are always healthful, but those that undergo the Severity of pruning, either languish, or shoot to no purpose.

1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §77 Those who had been cured by evacuations often languished long.

1783 G. Crabbe Village i. 10 Health, Labour's fair child, that languishes with Wealth.

1798 J. Ferriar Illustr. Sterne ii. 24 He wrote for the recreation of persons languishing in sickness.

1850 A. Jameson Legends Monastic Orders 208 It was said of him that he did not live, but languished through life.

1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake I. xiv. 267 The knight..lies languishing of wounds.

1913 Weekly Courier (Connellsville, Pa.) 23 Oct. 1/4 The miners..suffer and languish and die from inhaling stone dust.

1957 E. Jones Life & Work Freud (1964) I. x. 193 The patient whose case he is demonstrating is languishing in a semi-conscious state.

1997 Inside Soap 28 June 49/3 Pat languishes in the hospital badly beaten.

b. intransitive. To live in an oppressive or dispiriting place, situation, or condition. With in, under.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > be or become dejected [verb (intransitive)] > live under depressing conditions

languish1489

lingera1535

languor1975

1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes iii. xxiii. 223 To..make hys prysonners to langwysshe in pryson.

1562 A. Brooke tr. M. Bandello Tragicall Hist. Romeus & Iuliet f. 15 The thrall I languish in.

1592 tr. F. Du Jon Apocalypsis ix. 4 The miserable world languishing in so great calamities.

1612 T. Dekker If it be not Good sig. C2 Greater Schollers languish in beggery: And in thin thred-bare cassacks weare out their age.

1684 T. Burnet Theory of Earth ii. 184 That state of indigency, and misery, and diseasedness, which we languish under at present.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 181. ¶2 I..have ever since languished under the Displeasure of an inexorable Father.

1797 A. Radcliffe Italian I. xi. 330 The unfortunate captive is left to languish in chains and darkness.

1828 T. Carlyle Burns in Edinb. Rev. Dec. 267 The street where he languished in poverty is called by his name.

1879 F. W. Farrar Life & Work St. Paul I. vi. xxiv. 456 Peoples languishing under the withering atrophy of Turkish rule.

1923 P. G. Wodehouse Inimitable Jeeves viii. 85 There was a bit of a mix-up, and Claude and Eustace are more or less languishing in Vine Street police-station.

1979 Nature 15 Feb. 506/2 UNEP equipment languishes in a filthy laboratory without supplies of water or electricity.

1999 Daily Nation (Nairobi) 9 Dec. 6/1 A person may languish in remand prison for three years only to be found innocent of any charge.

c. intransitive. To fail to make progress; to be unsuccessful.

ΚΠ

1652 P. Heylyn Cosmographie To Rdr. sig. A6 Making..all the flourishing Churches..to languish and decay remedilesly under the merciless incroachments.

1743 E. Young Complaint: Night the Fourth 13 Shall Pagan Pages glow celestial Flame, And Christian, languish?

1805 H. F. Cary tr. Dante Inferno I. vii. 111 One nation rises into sway, Another languishes.

1858 Jrnl. Soc. Arts 30 Apr. 377/1 Sir Charles Lemon's scheme failed, and the mining schools languished, because the mining interests did not contribute the sums required for their support.

1882 C. Pebody Eng. Journalism xviii. 134 The Morning Chronicle..languished and died.

1968 Listener 4 July 6/1 The campus novel, a literary sub-kind that has languished these last years, is surely in for a revival.

1994 Homiletic & Pastoral Rev. July 57/1 Why does the Catholic Church..continue to languish?

a. intransitive. To droop in spirits; to pine or brood, esp. with love or grief. Also in extended use. Now archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > be or become dejected [verb (intransitive)]

heavyOE

fallOE

droopena1225

lourc1290

droopc1330

to abate one's countenance (also cheer)a1350

dullc1374

fainta1375

languora1375

languisha1382

afflicta1393

gloppen?a1400

weary1434

appalc1450

to have one's heart in one's boots (also shoes, heels, hose, etc.)c1450

peak1580

dumpc1585

mopea1592

sink1603

bate1607

deject1644

despond1655

alamort?1705

sadden1718

dismal1780

munge1790

mug1828

to get one's tail down1853

to have (also get) the pip1881

shadow1888

to have (one's) ass in a sling1960

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Song of Sol. v. 8 I languysshe for looue [L. amore langueo].

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. xxi. 4 Myche languysshede [a1425 L.V. fadide; L. emarcuit] myn herte, dercnesses stoneid maden me.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 24646 I languis al for þe.

c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Franklin's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 242 He dorste nat his sorwe telle But langwissheth as a furye dooth in helle.

c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure l. 4338 Ladys languessande and lowrande to schewe.

1483 W. Caxton tr. Caton G ij b Whan the courage languyssheth &..is abandonned to slouthfulnesse.

1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1928) xvi. 72 Languysshe no more, but plucke vp thyne herte.

c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 140^v Made hym langwys in Loue & Longynges grete.

1562 R. Eden Let. in E. Arber 1st Three Eng. Bks. on Amer. (1885) p. xliii/1 My..spirites, heretofore no lesse languysshed for lacke of suche a Patrone.

1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream ii. ii. 35 Loue and languish for his sake.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) iii. iii. 43 A man that languishes in your displeasure.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 106 With two fair Eyes his Mistress burns his Breast; He looks, and languishes, and leaves his Rest.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 86. ¶2 Nothing is more common than for Lovers to..languish, despair, and dye in dumb Show.

1792 R. Burns in J. Johnson Scots Musical Museum IV. 351 Wishfully I look and languish In that bonie face of thine.

1844 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece VIII. lxii. 134 The spirit languished as the body decayed.

1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems xxxii. 11 A lover Here I languish alone.

1931 V. Sackville-West All Passion Spent ii. 155 It was assumed that she trembled for joy in his presence, languished in his absence.

1953 S. J. Perelman in New Yorker 14 Mar. 30/3 Her mother peeks into Laurels diary and discovers she still languishes after Richard Grosvenor.

1975 Florence (S. Carolina) Morning News 3 Aug. d2/1 Troubadours languished over their lutes.

b. intransitive. To waste away with longing for; to yearn (to do something). Also with infinitive. Now archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > wish or inclination > desire > longing or yearning > long or yearn for [verb (transitive)] > pine for

mournOE

languish1567

repine1641

1567 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure II. xxiii. f. 400b How now Gentlewoman..haue you the heart to leaue me voide of hope, to make me languish for the prorogation of a thing so doubtfull, as the delayes be which loue deferreth?

a1600 (?c1535) tr. H. Boece Hist. Scotl. (Mar Lodge) (1946) iv. v. 202 Ye king [sc. Corbrede]..band societe with Caranach, king of the Pichtis for ye tyme, quhilk with his pepill lang tyme was langwissing for ye samyn, tending to expell Romanis fra yare boundis.

1635 J. Reynolds Triumphs Gods Revenge (new ed.) i. ii. 18 He wonders at her affection, and is not ignorant that she deserves a more noble husband then himselfe, but seeing her languish for an answer, he returnes her thus.

1699 Relat. Sir T. Morgan's Progr. in Coll. Scarce & Valuable Tracts (1751) 4th Ser. III. 160 Major-general Morgan desired the Marshal not to let him languish for Orders.

1720 J. Ozell et al. tr. R. A. de Vertot Hist. Revol. Rom. Republic I. v. 282 The People languished for the Restoration of their Tribunes.

1738 J. Wesley Coll. Psalms & Hymns (new ed.) vi. iv Yet still with never-ceasing Moans I languish for Relief.

1791 W. Cowper tr. Homer Iliad in Iliad & Odyssey I. ii. 430 What soldier languishes and sighs To leave us?

1847 T. De Quincey Spanish Mil. Nun i The poor nuns, who..were languishing for some amusement.

1870 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer Iliad I. ii. 49 All give way to grief And languish to return.

1892 Bohemia (Melbourne) 3 Mar. 15 Many thirsty travellers arrived and were languishing for a ‘reviver’.

1903 J. Payne Vigil & Vision 111 Now, youth gone, I languish for the sun.

2000 Daily Mail (Nexis) 1 Dec. 56 Swann (Duncan Bell) languishes for the exquisite Odette of Fritha Goodey.

c. intransitive. To adopt a languid look, expression, or pose, as an indication of sorrowful or tender emotion. Now archaic and rare.In quot. 1714 transitive: to bestow upon with a languid look.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > love > flirtation or coquetry > flirt, philander, or dally [verb (intransitive)] > cast amorous glances > assume languid look or expression

languish1714

the world > action or operation > behaviour > affected behaviour or affectation > be affected or act affectedly [verb (intransitive)] > use affected posture or gesture > indicative of tender feelings

languish1850

1714 D. Manley Adventures of Rivella 71 I saw his Eyes always fix'd on her with unspeakable Delight, whilst hers languish'd him some returns.

1807 J. D. Burk Bethlem Gabor ii. 18 Frederick Henry Bergamotte..for whom so many bright eyes vainly languish!

1850 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis II. xxii. 223 When a visitor comes in, she smiles and languishes, you'd think that butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.

2001 L. Rennison Knocked out by Nunga-nungas 41 There was Naomi! The sex kitten. Languishing in the kitchen window... Looking all longing.

†a. transitive. To cause to languish. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > cause to lose vitality or vigour

languisha1464

castrate1554

damp1564

dead1586

flag1602

wooden1641

dispirit1647

deaden1684

disvigorate1694

devitalize1849

narcotize1852

wilt1855

woodenize1877

abirritate1882

the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > make dejected [verb (transitive)]

drearya1300

discomfortc1325

batec1380

to cast downa1382

to throw downa1382

dullc1386

faintc1386

discomfita1425

discourage1436

sinkc1440

mischeera1450

discheerc1454

amatea1500

bedowa1522

damp1548

quail1548

dash1550

exanimate1552

afflict1561

dank1565

disanimate1565

sadden1565

languish1566

deject1581

dumpc1585

unheart1593

mope1596

chill1597

sour1600

disgallant1601

disheart1603

dishearten1606

fainten1620

depress1624

sullen1628

tristitiate1628

disliven1631

dampen1633

weigh1640

out-spirit1643

dispirit1647

flat1649

funeralize1654

hearta1658

disencourage1659

attrist1680

flatten1683

dismalizec1735

blue-devil1812

out-heart1845

downweigh1851

to get down1861

frigidize1868

languor1891

downcast1914

neg1987

a1464 J. Capgrave Chron. Eng. (Cambr.) 232 (MED) This King Edward was gracious..devout onto the Cherch..nevir steyned, save that in his age he was gretly langaged with lecchery.

1566 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure I. f. 55^v The maladie that affecteth, and languisheth your soonne, is Loue.

1575 G. Fenton Golden Epist. f. 127 The displeasures passing in our house pearse deeper, and as a martyr languishe the harte euen to death.

1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. iii. v. 529 Least by that jouissance he might or quench, or satisfie, or languish [Fr. allanguir] that burning flame..wherewith he gloryed.

1606 R. Peterson tr. G. Botero Treat. Magnificencie ii. vii. 54 The plague mencioned by Boccas, that languished all Italie neere 3 yeares together.

b. transitive. To pass (a period of time) in languishing. Chiefly with out. Also intransitive. Now archaic and rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > inaction > disinclination to act or listlessness > pass (time) listlessly or lethargically [verb (transitive)]

languisha1616

yawn1742

daidle1808

moon1876

the world > action or operation > inaction > disinclination to act or listlessness > be listless or lethargic [verb (intransitive)] > languish

languisha1616

rot1927

a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) i. vi. 73 To think that man..will's free houres languish: For assured bondage.

1652 E. Benlowes Theophila iv. 59 I languish out, not live!

1653 W. Harvey Anat. Exercitations lvi. 342 With dejected spirits languish out their days.

1683 W. Temple Mem. in Wks. (1731) I. 449 He languish'd out the rest of the Summer, and died.

1713 J. Addison Cato ii. v But whilst I live I must not hold my tongue, And languish out old age in his displeasure.

1736 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. VII. 302 Those who rather chose to destroy one another, than languish out their lives in that miserable manner.

1801 Millennium II. ii. 5 The miser Jennings languished out his days.

1843 C. L. Hentz De Lara iv. i. 61 Had I been doomed, like other captive maids, To languish out my youth in lonely cells.

1875 New Englander (New Haven, Connecticut) Jan. 79 The unfortunate offender, falling in to the hands of hard-hearted executives, might languish out the full term of his sentence.

1920 Frederick (Maryland) Post 18 Mar. 7/1 It found its way to the attic, there to languish out its dusty days.

1963 D. Abel Amer. Lit. I. iv. 271 The seducer languishes out a normal span of life in unavailing remorse.

1965 Huntington Libr. Q. 29 39 Many slaves actually languished out their days with no hope of escape or redemption.

a. intransitive. Of an activity or emotion: to grow slack, lose vigour or intensity. Also of light, colour, sound, etc.: †to become faint (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > colour > quality of colour > [verb (intransitive)] > become faint

wanec1000

fade13..

faint1430

vade1471

languish?1510

relent1531

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > sound faintly or quietly [verb (intransitive)] > become faint or quiet

languish?1510

sink1794

fade1879

diminuendo1901

decrescendo1903

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > lose vigour or intensity

swindOE

wane1297

forslacka1300

keelc1325

deadc1384

abatea1387

flag1639

to go off1642

subsidea1645

slacken1651

flat1654

lower1699

relax1701

deaden1723

entame1768

sober1825

lighten1827

sletch1847

slow1849

languish1855

bate1860

to slow up1861

to slow down1879

?1510 T. More tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. b.vi^v That meruelouse alacrite langwished.

a1599 R. Rollock Sel. Wks. (1844) II. 591 John's faith and Peter's zeal were languishing and dwining.

1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §255 Visibles and Audibles..doe languish and lessen by degrees, according to the Distance of the Obiects from the Sensories.

1631 R. Bolton Instr. Right Comf. Affl. Consciences 482 The brightnesse of lampes langvish in the light.

1707 I. Watts Hymns & Spiritual Songs ii. 110 Hosannas languish on our Tongues, And our Devotion dies.

1757 T. Smollett Compl. Hist. Eng. II. iv. iv. 308 The war in France still languished, for want of men on both sides.

1810 J. Lathrop Serm. Var. Subj. IV. 250 The serious sentiments awakened in him by these providences have soon languished.

1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xx. 516 Along the eastern frontier of France the war during this year seemed to languish.

1871 G. H. Napheys Prevention & Cure Dis. ii. i. 414 The appetite languishes.

1922 Wisconsin State Jrnl. 7 Apr. 1/1 Progress was slow and enthusiasm languished.

1939 Greece & Rome 8 178 In any other medium the force of his moral feeling would have languished.

2003 Sunday Tel. (Nexis) 29 June 14 Once the action does get under way, it threatens at times to languish until given a prod by another sensation.

†b. intransitive. Of health: to fall off. Obsolete. rare.

ΚΠ

1729 R. Savage Wanderer v. 670 Late months, that made the vernal season gay, Saw my health languish off in pale decay.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2008; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	languish
释义	languishn. Brit. /ˈlaŋɡwɪʃ/, U.S. /ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ/ Forms: Middle English languisch, Middle English languysch, Middle English langwysch, Middle English–1500s languishe, Middle English–1500s languysshe, 1500s– languish, 1800s langwidge (Scottish). Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: languish v. Etymology: < languish v. Compare Middle French languiz languor (14th cent. in an isolated attestation). Compare languishing n. and earlier languor n. 1. †a. An illness, a bout of weakness. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > [noun] unhealc700 untrumnessc897 adleeOE sicknessc967 cothec1000 unhealthc1000 woe?a1200 ail?c1225 lying?c1225 maladyc1275 unsoundc1275 feebless1297 languora1375 languishc1384 disease1393 aegritudea1400 lamea1400 maleasea1400 soughta1400 wilc1400 malefaction?a1425 firmityc1426 unwholesomenessc1449 ill1450 languenta1500 distemperancea1535 the valley of the shadow of death1535 affect?1537 affection?1541 distemperature1541 inability1547 sickliness1565 languishment1576 cause1578 unhealthfulness1589 crazedness1593 languorment1593 evilness1599 strickenness1599 craziness1602 distemper1604 unsoundness1605 invaletude1623 unhealthiness1634 achaque1647 unwellness1653 disailment1657 insalubrity1668 faintiness1683 queerness1687 invalidity1690 illness1692 ill health1698 ailment1708 illing1719 invalescence1724 peakingness1727 sickishness1727 valetudinariness1742 ailingness1776 brash1786 invalidism1794 poorliness1814 diseasement1826 invalidship1830 valetudinarianism1839 ailing1862 invalidhood1863 megrims1870 pourriture1890 immersement1903 bug1918 condition1920 c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Royal) (1850) Luke vi. 18 Languisches [Douce 369(2) peple..camen..that thei schulden be heelid of her langwischingis]. c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) 2810 (MED) Bot now a langour me lettis..Slike a seknes..Þat I ne may streyne me..Bot lyse in langwysches & lokis quen my lyfe endis. b. Chiefly poetic. The action or state of languishing; languor; an instance of this (rare). ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > [noun] > weakness faintise1297 weaknessa1300 faintc1320 feebleness1340 languishingc1384 lamea1400 unferea1400 unferenessa1400 unwielda1400 impotence1406 imbecility?a1425 languisha1425 languoringa1438 unwieldness1437 faintnessa1440 impotency1440 infirmityc1440 debility1484 unlustiness1486 resolution1547 unwieldiness1575 languishment1576 infirmness1596 weakness1603 prostrationa1626 exolution1634 languidness1634 prosternation1650 faintingnessa1661 debilitude1669 flaccidity1676 atony1693 puniness1727 faintishness1733 adynamia1743 asthenia1802 adynamy1817 weakliness1826 tonelessness1873 atonicity1900 a1425 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1869) I. 198 Crist was..occupied in heeling of syke men, and men þat were in languishe. 1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. lviij^v/2 Of the languysshe that was comyng to Charles, he wyste not, how sone it was comyng. 1562 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Æneid ix. B b iij b The purple floure that..In languish withering dies. 1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. ii. 47 One desperate griefe cures with anothers languish . View more context for this quotation 1613 W. Browne Britannia's Pastorals I. i. 11 Faire Nymph surcease this death alluring languish. 1682 T. Amy Carolina 19 It..being..admirable in the languishes of the Spirit Faintings. 1718 Entertainer xix. 129 Religion is upon the Languish, and only the Ghost of Godliness remains. 1833 H. Coleridge Poems I. 118 A long record of perishable languish. 1887 Gordon-Haven 90 Remember a'them 'ts lyin' on a bed o' langwidge. 1913 W. Lewis Let. Oct. (1963) 49 The Idol is still Prettiness, with its mid-Victorian languish of the neck. a1924 M. Ghose Coll. Poems (1970) 73 In sullen languish They on the planks confer. 2005 N.Y. Mag. 7 Nov. 9 (advt.) It projects a promise of pleasant reading, long languishes in front of the TV..and..slow, lazy, never-ending awakenings. †2. A tender or amorous look or glance. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > a look or glance > [noun] > tender look languish1712 1712 S. Cobb Callipædia i. 5 Some Eyes all Hearts with lively grey subdue, Some with the Languish of the lovely blue. 1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad V. xviii. 50 The blue Languish of soft Alia's Eye. 1728 J. Thomson Spring 50 Then forth He walks, Beneath the trembling Languish of her Beams. 1746 H. Walpole Let. 24 Oct. in Corr. (1974) XXXVII. 261 His eyes..had..a certain melancholy swimmingness that described hopeless love, rather than a natural amorous languish. 1802 W. Irving Lett. Jonathan Oldstyle in Morning Chron. (N.Y.) 4 Dec. 2/4 An arch glance in one box was rivalled by a smile in another;..and in a fourth, a most bewitching languish carried all before it. 1864 J. Anster tr. J. W. von Goethe Faustus: 2nd Pt. ii. 182 What means this leer and languish?.. You act the lover wretchedly. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2008; most recently modified version published online March 2022). † languishadj. Forms: 1500s languyshe, 1600s languish. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: languish v. Etymology: < languish v., probably by association with other adjectives ending in -ish suffix¹. Compare earlier languishing adj., and also earlier languoring adj., languorous adj. Obsolete. rare. Apparently only attested in dictionaries or glossaries. Languishing, sickly. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > [adjective] > in state of ill health or diseased > torpid or sluggish languish1552 languid1595 lethargized1614 languent1696 lymphatic1834 slow1865 1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Languyshe to be, langueo. 1648 H. Hexham Groot Woorden-boeck Een Vlockaert, a Pyning or a Languish man. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2008; most recently modified version published online June 2021). languishv. Brit. /ˈlaŋɡwɪʃ/, U.S. /ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ/ Forms: Middle English langage, Middle English languesse, Middle English languist (past tense), Middle English languscht (past tense), Middle English langusshe, Middle English languste (past tense), Middle English languys, Middle English languysce, Middle English languysch, Middle English languyssche, Middle English languysse, Middle English langvisse, Middle English langvisshe, Middle English langvist (past tense), Middle English langwesse, Middle English langwische, Middle English langwisse, Middle English langwys (in a late copy), Middle English langwysse, Middle English langwyssh, Middle English–1500s languisse, Middle English–1500s languisshe, Middle English–1500s languysshe, Middle English–1500s langwishe, Middle English–1500s langwisshe, Middle English–1500s langwysshe, Middle English–1600s languyshe, 1500s languysh, 1500s–1600s language, 1500s–1600s languishe, 1500s–1600s langvish, 1500s– languish, 1800s langwish (nonstandard, rare); Scottish pre-1700 langis, pre-1700 languis, pre-1700 languisch, pre-1700 languishe, pre-1700 langwis, pre-1700 langwische, pre-1700 langwish, pre-1700 langwiss, pre-1700 1700s– languish. Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymons: French languiss-, languir. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French languiss-, extended stem (compare -ish suffix²) of languir (French languir ) to droop in spirits, to pine or brood, to be dejected, especially because of lovesickness (c1130 in Old French; frequently in French courtly romances), to exist in a state of weakness or illness, to be sick (c1140 in Anglo-Norman), to live in an oppressive or dispiriting place, situation, or condition (late 13th cent. or earlier), (of an activity or plan) to fail to make progress, to be unsuccessful (mid 14th cent.), to yearn (for something) (c1465) < post-classical Latin languire (6th cent.), alteration (with change of conjugation) of classical Latin languēre to be faint, feeble, to be unwell, sick, to be languid, drowsy, to droop, wilt, to be dim or faint, to be weak or feeble, to be idle or inert, probably < the same Indo-European base as classical Latin laxus lax adj. and slack adj. Compare Old Occitan, Occitan languir (a1150), Catalan llanguir (13th cent.), Italian languire (13th cent.). Compare languor v. and the French forms cited at that entry.In Anglo-Norman a form languisser , in which the extended stem has been generalized to all forms, is also occasionally attested (a1412 or earlier). The forms langage , language show voicing of the final sibilant. With the transitive use in sense 3a compare Middle French languir to cause (a person) to languish (a1352 in an apparently isolated attestation) and also Middle French, French alanguir , †allanguir (late 16th cent. in Montaigne: compare quot. 1603 at sense 3a; < a- ad- prefix + languir ). With to languish out (see sense 3b) compare French élanguir (16th cent. in Middle French as eslanguir ; < es- ex- prefix¹ + languir). 1. a. intransitive. Of a person, animal, or plant: to decline in health; to weaken, wither, or become faint; to exist in a state of weakness or illness. In early use also: †to be sick of (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > be in ill health [verb (intransitive)] > be weak > become weak of-fall?a1200 fail?c1225 wastea1300 languisha1325 defail1340 languora1375 defaulta1382 wastea1387 faintc1450 mortifyc1475 hink?a1500 traik?a1513 droopc1540 unquick1595 macerate1598 dodder1617 lachanize1623 smartle1673 break1726 go1748 sink1780 wilt1787 falter1799 weaken1886 to go down1892 to go out of curl1924 the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > weariness or exhaustion > become weary or exhausted [verb (intransitive)] > break down, collapse, or faint fail?c1225 swoonc1290 languisha1325 talmc1325 sinkc1400 faintc1440 droopc1540 collapse1879 crock1893 to flake (out)1942 the world > health and disease > ill health > be in ill health [verb (intransitive)] sicka1150 langernc1440 aila1500 peak1580 languisha1616 suffer1800 underfunction1941 a1325 [implied in: Statutes of Realm (2011) vii. 53 Foralsemuche ase schirreuen..weren iwoned to greuen hoere vnderlinges, to puten hoem in assisene, ant in iurees, languissende men, ant krokede men, ant men of lastinde vuel..on þilke manere to nimen of hoere katel to suffri sume atorne.(at languishing adj. 1a)]. c1350 Psalter (BL Add. 17376) in K. D. Bülbring Earliest Compl. Eng. Prose Psalter (1891) lxxxvii. 9 (MED) Ich am ȝeuen in languor, and y ne went nouȝt out fram hym; min eȝen languissed [L. languerunt] for me saif [read mesais]. c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Dan. viii. 27 Y, Danyel, languyshide [L. langui] and was seeke by ful manye days. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 14138 In his sekenes he languist [Trin. Cambr. lenged] sua, Þat he na fote had might to ga. ?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 9419 Bedrede long he lay & languysced [a1450 Lamb. languissed] fro day to day. a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. ccxvii He lastly fell in a greuouse sykenesse..And so languysshynge by the space of thre yeres more before he dyed. 1584 W. Allen True Def. Eng. Catholiques ix. 216 The greater part wherof languisheth away in bodie and soule most lamentablie, onlie vpon an obstinate punto & formalitie. a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) i. i. 30 Ros. What is it..the King languishes of? Laf. A Fistula my Lord. View more context for this quotation 1631 R. Bolton Instr. Right Comf. Affl. Consciences 196 Some, for the losse of an over-loved child..have languished, fallen into a consumption, and lost their owne lives. 1680 T. Otway Orphan iv. 54 Desire shall languish like a withering Flower. 1722 R. Bradley Gen. Treat. Husbandry II. 281 The free growing Trees are always healthful, but those that undergo the Severity of pruning, either languish, or shoot to no purpose. 1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §77 Those who had been cured by evacuations often languished long. 1783 G. Crabbe Village i. 10 Health, Labour's fair child, that languishes with Wealth. 1798 J. Ferriar Illustr. Sterne ii. 24 He wrote for the recreation of persons languishing in sickness. 1850 A. Jameson Legends Monastic Orders 208 It was said of him that he did not live, but languished through life. 1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake I. xiv. 267 The knight..lies languishing of wounds. 1913 Weekly Courier (Connellsville, Pa.) 23 Oct. 1/4 The miners..suffer and languish and die from inhaling stone dust. 1957 E. Jones Life & Work Freud (1964) I. x. 193 The patient whose case he is demonstrating is languishing in a semi-conscious state. 1997 Inside Soap 28 June 49/3 Pat languishes in the hospital badly beaten. b. intransitive. To live in an oppressive or dispiriting place, situation, or condition. With in, under. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > be or become dejected [verb (intransitive)] > live under depressing conditions languish1489 lingera1535 languor1975 1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes iii. xxiii. 223 To..make hys prysonners to langwysshe in pryson. 1562 A. Brooke tr. M. Bandello Tragicall Hist. Romeus & Iuliet f. 15 The thrall I languish in. 1592 tr. F. Du Jon Apocalypsis ix. 4 The miserable world languishing in so great calamities. 1612 T. Dekker If it be not Good sig. C2 Greater Schollers languish in beggery: And in thin thred-bare cassacks weare out their age. 1684 T. Burnet Theory of Earth ii. 184 That state of indigency, and misery, and diseasedness, which we languish under at present. 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 181. ¶2 I..have ever since languished under the Displeasure of an inexorable Father. 1797 A. Radcliffe Italian I. xi. 330 The unfortunate captive is left to languish in chains and darkness. 1828 T. Carlyle Burns in Edinb. Rev. Dec. 267 The street where he languished in poverty is called by his name. 1879 F. W. Farrar Life & Work St. Paul I. vi. xxiv. 456 Peoples languishing under the withering atrophy of Turkish rule. 1923 P. G. Wodehouse Inimitable Jeeves viii. 85 There was a bit of a mix-up, and Claude and Eustace are more or less languishing in Vine Street police-station. 1979 Nature 15 Feb. 506/2 UNEP equipment languishes in a filthy laboratory without supplies of water or electricity. 1999 Daily Nation (Nairobi) 9 Dec. 6/1 A person may languish in remand prison for three years only to be found innocent of any charge. c. intransitive. To fail to make progress; to be unsuccessful. ΚΠ 1652 P. Heylyn Cosmographie To Rdr. sig. A6 Making..all the flourishing Churches..to languish and decay remedilesly under the merciless incroachments. 1743 E. Young Complaint: Night the Fourth 13 Shall Pagan Pages glow celestial Flame, And Christian, languish? 1805 H. F. Cary tr. Dante Inferno I. vii. 111 One nation rises into sway, Another languishes. 1858 Jrnl. Soc. Arts 30 Apr. 377/1 Sir Charles Lemon's scheme failed, and the mining schools languished, because the mining interests did not contribute the sums required for their support. 1882 C. Pebody Eng. Journalism xviii. 134 The Morning Chronicle..languished and died. 1968 Listener 4 July 6/1 The campus novel, a literary sub-kind that has languished these last years, is surely in for a revival. 1994 Homiletic & Pastoral Rev. July 57/1 Why does the Catholic Church..continue to languish? 2. a. intransitive. To droop in spirits; to pine or brood, esp. with love or grief. Also in extended use. Now archaic. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > be or become dejected [verb (intransitive)] heavyOE fallOE droopena1225 lourc1290 droopc1330 to abate one's countenance (also cheer)a1350 dullc1374 fainta1375 languora1375 languisha1382 afflicta1393 gloppen?a1400 weary1434 appalc1450 to have one's heart in one's boots (also shoes, heels, hose, etc.)c1450 peak1580 dumpc1585 mopea1592 sink1603 bate1607 deject1644 despond1655 alamort?1705 sadden1718 dismal1780 munge1790 mug1828 to get one's tail down1853 to have (also get) the pip1881 shadow1888 to have (one's) ass in a sling1960 a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Song of Sol. v. 8 I languysshe for looue [L. amore langueo]. a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. xxi. 4 Myche languysshede [a1425 L.V. fadide; L. emarcuit] myn herte, dercnesses stoneid maden me. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 24646 I languis al for þe. c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Franklin's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 242 He dorste nat his sorwe telle But langwissheth as a furye dooth in helle. c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure l. 4338 Ladys languessande and lowrande to schewe. 1483 W. Caxton tr. Caton G ij b Whan the courage languyssheth &..is abandonned to slouthfulnesse. 1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1928) xvi. 72 Languysshe no more, but plucke vp thyne herte. c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 140^v Made hym langwys in Loue & Longynges grete. 1562 R. Eden Let. in E. Arber 1st Three Eng. Bks. on Amer. (1885) p. xliii/1 My..spirites, heretofore no lesse languysshed for lacke of suche a Patrone. 1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream ii. ii. 35 Loue and languish for his sake. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) iii. iii. 43 A man that languishes in your displeasure. View more context for this quotation 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 106 With two fair Eyes his Mistress burns his Breast; He looks, and languishes, and leaves his Rest. View more context for this quotation 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 86. ¶2 Nothing is more common than for Lovers to..languish, despair, and dye in dumb Show. 1792 R. Burns in J. Johnson Scots Musical Museum IV. 351 Wishfully I look and languish In that bonie face of thine. 1844 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece VIII. lxii. 134 The spirit languished as the body decayed. 1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems xxxii. 11 A lover Here I languish alone. 1931 V. Sackville-West All Passion Spent ii. 155 It was assumed that she trembled for joy in his presence, languished in his absence. 1953 S. J. Perelman in New Yorker 14 Mar. 30/3 Her mother peeks into Laurels diary and discovers she still languishes after Richard Grosvenor. 1975 Florence (S. Carolina) Morning News 3 Aug. d2/1 Troubadours languished over their lutes. b. intransitive. To waste away with longing for; to yearn (to do something). Also with infinitive. Now archaic. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > wish or inclination > desire > longing or yearning > long or yearn for [verb (transitive)] > pine for mournOE languish1567 repine1641 1567 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure II. xxiii. f. 400b How now Gentlewoman..haue you the heart to leaue me voide of hope, to make me languish for the prorogation of a thing so doubtfull, as the delayes be which loue deferreth? a1600 (?c1535) tr. H. Boece Hist. Scotl. (Mar Lodge) (1946) iv. v. 202 Ye king [sc. Corbrede]..band societe with Caranach, king of the Pichtis for ye tyme, quhilk with his pepill lang tyme was langwissing for ye samyn, tending to expell Romanis fra yare boundis. 1635 J. Reynolds Triumphs Gods Revenge (new ed.) i. ii. 18 He wonders at her affection, and is not ignorant that she deserves a more noble husband then himselfe, but seeing her languish for an answer, he returnes her thus. 1699 Relat. Sir T. Morgan's Progr. in Coll. Scarce & Valuable Tracts (1751) 4th Ser. III. 160 Major-general Morgan desired the Marshal not to let him languish for Orders. 1720 J. Ozell et al. tr. R. A. de Vertot Hist. Revol. Rom. Republic I. v. 282 The People languished for the Restoration of their Tribunes. 1738 J. Wesley Coll. Psalms & Hymns (new ed.) vi. iv Yet still with never-ceasing Moans I languish for Relief. 1791 W. Cowper tr. Homer Iliad in Iliad & Odyssey I. ii. 430 What soldier languishes and sighs To leave us? 1847 T. De Quincey Spanish Mil. Nun i The poor nuns, who..were languishing for some amusement. 1870 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer Iliad I. ii. 49 All give way to grief And languish to return. 1892 Bohemia (Melbourne) 3 Mar. 15 Many thirsty travellers arrived and were languishing for a ‘reviver’. 1903 J. Payne Vigil & Vision 111 Now, youth gone, I languish for the sun. 2000 Daily Mail (Nexis) 1 Dec. 56 Swann (Duncan Bell) languishes for the exquisite Odette of Fritha Goodey. c. intransitive. To adopt a languid look, expression, or pose, as an indication of sorrowful or tender emotion. Now archaic and rare.In quot. 1714 transitive: to bestow upon with a languid look. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > love > flirtation or coquetry > flirt, philander, or dally [verb (intransitive)] > cast amorous glances > assume languid look or expression languish1714 the world > action or operation > behaviour > affected behaviour or affectation > be affected or act affectedly [verb (intransitive)] > use affected posture or gesture > indicative of tender feelings languish1850 1714 D. Manley Adventures of Rivella 71 I saw his Eyes always fix'd on her with unspeakable Delight, whilst hers languish'd him some returns. 1807 J. D. Burk Bethlem Gabor ii. 18 Frederick Henry Bergamotte..for whom so many bright eyes vainly languish! 1850 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis II. xxii. 223 When a visitor comes in, she smiles and languishes, you'd think that butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. 2001 L. Rennison Knocked out by Nunga-nungas 41 There was Naomi! The sex kitten. Languishing in the kitchen window... Looking all longing. 3. †a. transitive. To cause to languish. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > cause to lose vitality or vigour languisha1464 castrate1554 damp1564 dead1586 flag1602 wooden1641 dispirit1647 deaden1684 disvigorate1694 devitalize1849 narcotize1852 wilt1855 woodenize1877 abirritate1882 the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > make dejected [verb (transitive)] drearya1300 discomfortc1325 batec1380 to cast downa1382 to throw downa1382 dullc1386 faintc1386 discomfita1425 discourage1436 sinkc1440 mischeera1450 discheerc1454 amatea1500 bedowa1522 damp1548 quail1548 dash1550 exanimate1552 afflict1561 dank1565 disanimate1565 sadden1565 languish1566 deject1581 dumpc1585 unheart1593 mope1596 chill1597 sour1600 disgallant1601 disheart1603 dishearten1606 fainten1620 depress1624 sullen1628 tristitiate1628 disliven1631 dampen1633 weigh1640 out-spirit1643 dispirit1647 flat1649 funeralize1654 hearta1658 disencourage1659 attrist1680 flatten1683 dismalizec1735 blue-devil1812 out-heart1845 downweigh1851 to get down1861 frigidize1868 languor1891 downcast1914 neg1987 a1464 J. Capgrave Chron. Eng. (Cambr.) 232 (MED) This King Edward was gracious..devout onto the Cherch..nevir steyned, save that in his age he was gretly langaged with lecchery. 1566 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure I. f. 55^v The maladie that affecteth, and languisheth your soonne, is Loue. 1575 G. Fenton Golden Epist. f. 127 The displeasures passing in our house pearse deeper, and as a martyr languishe the harte euen to death. 1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. iii. v. 529 Least by that jouissance he might or quench, or satisfie, or languish [Fr. allanguir] that burning flame..wherewith he gloryed. 1606 R. Peterson tr. G. Botero Treat. Magnificencie ii. vii. 54 The plague mencioned by Boccas, that languished all Italie neere 3 yeares together. b. transitive. To pass (a period of time) in languishing. Chiefly with out. Also intransitive. Now archaic and rare. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > inaction > disinclination to act or listlessness > pass (time) listlessly or lethargically [verb (transitive)] languisha1616 yawn1742 daidle1808 moon1876 the world > action or operation > inaction > disinclination to act or listlessness > be listless or lethargic [verb (intransitive)] > languish languisha1616 rot1927 a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) i. vi. 73 To think that man..will's free houres languish: For assured bondage. View more context for this quotation 1652 E. Benlowes Theophila iv. 59 I languish out, not live! 1653 W. Harvey Anat. Exercitations lvi. 342 With dejected spirits languish out their days. 1683 W. Temple Mem. in Wks. (1731) I. 449 He languish'd out the rest of the Summer, and died. 1713 J. Addison Cato ii. v But whilst I live I must not hold my tongue, And languish out old age in his displeasure. 1736 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. VII. 302 Those who rather chose to destroy one another, than languish out their lives in that miserable manner. 1801 Millennium II. ii. 5 The miser Jennings languished out his days. 1843 C. L. Hentz De Lara iv. i. 61 Had I been doomed, like other captive maids, To languish out my youth in lonely cells. 1875 New Englander (New Haven, Connecticut) Jan. 79 The unfortunate offender, falling in to the hands of hard-hearted executives, might languish out the full term of his sentence. 1920 Frederick (Maryland) Post 18 Mar. 7/1 It found its way to the attic, there to languish out its dusty days. 1963 D. Abel Amer. Lit. I. iv. 271 The seducer languishes out a normal span of life in unavailing remorse. 1965 Huntington Libr. Q. 29 39 Many slaves actually languished out their days with no hope of escape or redemption. 4. a. intransitive. Of an activity or emotion: to grow slack, lose vigour or intensity. Also of light, colour, sound, etc.: †to become faint (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the world > matter > colour > quality of colour > [verb (intransitive)] > become faint wanec1000 fade13.. faint1430 vade1471 languish?1510 relent1531 the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > sound faintly or quietly [verb (intransitive)] > become faint or quiet languish?1510 sink1794 fade1879 diminuendo1901 decrescendo1903 the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > lose vigour or intensity swindOE wane1297 forslacka1300 keelc1325 deadc1384 abatea1387 flag1639 to go off1642 subsidea1645 slacken1651 flat1654 lower1699 relax1701 deaden1723 entame1768 sober1825 lighten1827 sletch1847 slow1849 languish1855 bate1860 to slow up1861 to slow down1879 ?1510 T. More tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. b.vi^v That meruelouse alacrite langwished. a1599 R. Rollock Sel. Wks. (1844) II. 591 John's faith and Peter's zeal were languishing and dwining. 1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §255 Visibles and Audibles..doe languish and lessen by degrees, according to the Distance of the Obiects from the Sensories. 1631 R. Bolton Instr. Right Comf. Affl. Consciences 482 The brightnesse of lampes langvish in the light. 1707 I. Watts Hymns & Spiritual Songs ii. 110 Hosannas languish on our Tongues, And our Devotion dies. 1757 T. Smollett Compl. Hist. Eng. II. iv. iv. 308 The war in France still languished, for want of men on both sides. 1810 J. Lathrop Serm. Var. Subj. IV. 250 The serious sentiments awakened in him by these providences have soon languished. 1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xx. 516 Along the eastern frontier of France the war during this year seemed to languish. 1871 G. H. Napheys Prevention & Cure Dis. ii. i. 414 The appetite languishes. 1922 Wisconsin State Jrnl. 7 Apr. 1/1 Progress was slow and enthusiasm languished. 1939 Greece & Rome 8 178 In any other medium the force of his moral feeling would have languished. 2003 Sunday Tel. (Nexis) 29 June 14 Once the action does get under way, it threatens at times to languish until given a prod by another sensation. †b. intransitive. Of health: to fall off. Obsolete. rare. ΚΠ 1729 R. Savage Wanderer v. 670 Late months, that made the vernal season gay, Saw my health languish off in pale decay. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2008; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.c1384adj.1552v.a1325
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languishn.

† languishadj.

languishv.