from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Impair \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.
[1913 Webster]
Time sensibly all things impairs. --Roscommon.
[1913 Webster]
In years he seemed, but not impaired by years. --Pope.
Syn: To diminish; decrease; injure; weaken; enfeeble;
debilitate; reduce; debase; deteriorate.
[1913 Webster]