with·er (wĭth′ər)
v. with·ered, with·er·ing, with·ers
v.intr.
1. To dry up or shrivel from loss of moisture.
2. To lose force or vitality; become diminished; wane: "Belief in industry self-regulation took hold ... and formal regulation was allowed to wither" (Eduardo Porter).
v.tr.
1. To cause to shrivel or fade.
2. To cause to lose force or vitality; diminish or destroy: "Three years apart had withered her hopes and she was engaged to someone else" (John Garth).
3. To render speechless or incapable of action; stun: The teacher withered the noisy student with a glance.