Definition of "wean" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To cease giving breast milk to an offspring; to accustom and reconcile (a child or young animal) to a want or deprivation of mother's milk; to take from the breast or udder.

   • The cow has weaned her calf.

2. (intransitive) To cease to depend on the mother's milk for nutrition.

   • The kittens are finally weaning.

3. (transitive, by extension, normally "wean off") To cause to quit something to which one is addicted, dependent, or habituated.

   • He managed to wean himself off heroin.

4. (intransitive, by extension) To cease to depend.

   • She is weaning from her addiction to tobacco.

5. (transitive, by extension, obsolete) To raise, to help grow toward maturity

noun

1. (Scotland, Mid-Ulster, others) A young child.