Atrophy
hardNegative toneAT-ruh-fee
verb
Definition
To waste away or deteriorate, especially from lack of use
Memory hook
A-TROPHY: Without nourishment, muscles shrink -- your body wins no TROPHY if muscles atrophy.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Muscles atrophy when not exercised regularly.”
“His language skills atrophied after years without practice.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Muscles ______ when not exercised regularly.”
Show answer
atrophy
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Atrophy is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "wither" or "waste" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "develop".
Related GRE Words
emaciate
To make abnormally thin or weak, especially through illness or starvation
languish
To lose or lack vitality; to suffer from being forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation
deteriorate
To become progressively worse
desiccate
to dry out completely; to drain of vitality
reprobate
an unprincipled, morally depraved person
squander
to waste recklessly or spend extravagantly
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