Definition of "languish" in English

verb

1. (intransitive) To lose strength and become weak; to be in a state of weakness or sickness.

2. (intransitive) To pine away in longing for something; to have low spirits, especially from lovesickness.

   • He languished without his girlfriend.

3. (intransitive) To live in miserable or disheartening conditions.

   • He languished in prison for years.

4. (intransitive) To be neglected; to make little progress, be unsuccessful.

   • The case languished for years before coming to trial.

5. (transitive, obsolete) To make weak; to weaken, devastate.

6. (intransitive, now rare) To affect a languid air, especially disingenuously.