HealthSeptember 3, 2026
atrophying
A-truh-fahy-ing
Definition
To gradually decline, weaken, or waste away due to lack of use or practice.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'atrophia,' meaning 'wasting away,' which comes from 'a-' (without) and 'trophe' (nourishment). It entered English in the 17th century to describe the biological wasting of body parts before being applied metaphorically to abstract concepts like skills or institutions.
In the news
The article uses this word to describe how teenagers' social skills are weakening because they are spending too much time behind screens instead of interacting with people in person.
Study: 1 in 5 teens use AI for mental health advice, psychiatrist warns of risks
Read the full article ↗KRCR