Frails

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. A type of delicate fabric or item that is easily damaged or torn
2. Something that is fragile, often referring to a physical object or structure that lacks strength or support
3. A term used to describe any weak or flimsy construct, conveying a sense of vulnerability or instability

Etymology: The plural "frails" most likely refers to the noun "frail", meaning a rush basket for figs or raisins, rather than to a delicate fabric. That basket sense entered Middle English as "frayel", from Old French "frael" or "fraiel", whose origin is unknown. It may be a dissimilated variant of "flail", though that remains uncertain. Despite looking identical, this "frail" is a separate word from the adjective meaning weak or fragile, which comes from Latin "fragilis" and is a doublet of "fragile".

Synonyms: weakens, breaks, crumbles, fragilizes, wilts

Antonyms: strengthens, fortifies, reinforces, hardens, stabilizes