Englishfor English speakers
withering
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adjective
(= annihilative, devastating)
wreaking or capable of wreaking complete destruction
possessing annihilative power
a devastating hurricane
the guns opened a withering fire
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noun
(= atrophy)
any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use)
—
adjective
(= annihilating, devastating)
making light of
afire with annihilating invective
a devastating portrait of human folly
to compliments inflated I've a withering reply
— W.S.Gilbert
gunfire
—
noun
the act of shooting a gun
the gunfire endangered innocent bystanders
they retreated in the face of withering enemy fire