wear1
v.
(past wore; past part. worn
/wɔːn/
)
- have (something) on one's body or a part of one's body as clothing, decoration, or protection.
- exhibit or present (a particular facial expression or appearance).
- undergo or cause to undergo damage or destruction by friction or use.
▸form (a hole, path, etc.) in this way.
- withstand continued use to a specified degree:
the fabric wears well wash after wash.
-
(wear off)
lose effectiveness or intensity.
-
(wear someone/thing down)
overcome someone or something by persistence.
-
(wear someone/thing out)
exhaust someone or something.
▸
[as adj. wearing]
mentally or physically tiring.
-
[usu. with neg.]
Brit. informal tolerate or accept.
-
(wear on)
(of time) pass slowly or tediously.
- (of a ship) fly (a flag).
n.
- the action of wearing or the state of being worn.
- clothing suitable for a particular purpose or of a particular type:
evening wear.
- damage sustained from continuous use.
▸the capacity for withstanding such damage.
Phrase
- wear thin
gradually dwindle or be used up.
Derivative
- wearability n.
- wearable adj.
- wearer n.
- wearingly adv.
Etymology
OE werian, of Gmc origin.
wear2
v.
(past and past part. wore)
Sailing bring (a ship) about by turning its head away from the wind.
Etymology
C17: of unknown origin.