Langimage
English

wean

|wean|

B2

/wiːn/

detach from dependency

Etymology
Etymology Information

'wean' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'wenian,' where 'wen-' meant 'to accustom or train.'

Historical Evolution

'wenian' transformed into the Middle English word 'wenen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'wean.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to accustom or train,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to detach from a source of dependency.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to accustom a young mammal to food other than its mother's milk.

The mother cat began to wean her kittens at 6 weeks.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to detach someone from a habit or dependency.

He was weaned off his addiction to caffeine.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/02/03 12:56