Wither (verb)

1. To lose freshness, strength, or vitality; become dry and shriveled.
2. To fade or decay as if by shrinking or contracting.
3. To become weaker or fade away gradually.

Origin:

Old english wiðerian "become dry and shrivelled", from wiðer "against".

Examples:

1. The flowers withered in the hot sun.
2. The leaves withered and fell to the ground.
3. His hopes withered when he heard the news.
4. The plant withered due to lack of water.
5. The economy withered as the pandemic spread.