infirm
|in-firm|
🇺🇸
/ɪnˈfɜrm/
🇬🇧
/ɪnˈfɜːm/
not strong / weak
Etymology
'infirm' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'infirmus', where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'firmus' meant 'firm, strong'.
'infirmus' passed into Old French/Medieval Latin forms (e.g. 'informe'/'infirme') and then into Middle English as 'infirm', becoming the modern English word 'infirm'.
Initially it meant 'not firm' or 'not strong' (literally), but over time it came to mean 'weak in health or body' and also 'weak or unsound' in a figurative sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
people who are infirm (often used collectively: 'the infirm').
The hospital provides special care for the infirm.
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Adjective 1
weak or ill, especially because of age or chronic illness.
He became increasingly infirm in his later years and needed daily help.
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Last updated: 2025/11/22 09:39