萎(しぼ)む

しぼむ
godan verb
to wilt; to deflate; to shrivel
1. to wilt; to shrivel; to wither
For flowers or plants to lose freshness and droop.
花(はな)が萎(しぼ)んでしまった。
The flowers have wilted.
2. to deflate; to go flat
For something inflated to lose air and become smaller.
風船(ふうせん)が萎(しぼ)んだ。
The balloon deflated.
3. to dwindle; to fade (abstract)
For enthusiasm, hopes, or spirits to diminish.
期待(きたい)が萎(しぼ)んだ。
My expectations faded.
Abstract usage

萎(しぼ)む is an intransitive godan verb describing the process of something losing its fullness or vitality.

OPPOSITE:

  • 膨(ふく)らむ: to swell, to inflate

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 花(はな)が萎(しぼ)む: flowers wilt
  • 風船(ふうせん)が萎(しぼ)む: balloon deflates
  • {気(き)持(も)|きも}ちが萎(しぼ)む: spirits sink
  • やる気(き)が萎(しぼ)む: motivation fades

Related Words

Antonym: 膨(ふく)らむ
general
Added 2026.1.16 14:48 · Revised 2026.1.24 16:38
05000/05343_shibomu