tire
English meaning: Tire
Definition
To become sleepy or weary.
Example
“The long climb began to tire even the fittest hikers.”
Another example: “Visitors never seem to tire of the breathtaking mountain views.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A common, neutral verb meaning to grow weary or to make someone weary, and also to bore. Frequently used reflexively or with 'of' (tire of something). Note the unrelated noun 'tire/tyre' meaning a wheel covering (US 'tire', UK 'tyre').
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old English 'teorian' (to fail, become weary), of uncertain origin; the modern spelling and sense are established by the 16th century.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
- refresh
- invigorate
- energize
- interest
Related Words
- sidewall
- tread
- tires
- firestone
- changer
- goodyear
- blowout
- bead
- rubber
- slammed
Common Collocations
- tire easily
- tire of
- never tire
- tire yourself out
- tire quickly
- grow tired
Word Forms
tire (v); tires; tired; tiring; tiresome (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B