definition of
withering

[1] #1 withering s. [annihilative, annihilating, devastating] wreaking or capable of wreaking complete destruction; "possessing annihilative power"; "a devastating hurricane"; "the guns opened a withering fire". wn

[2] #2 withering n. [atrophy] any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use). wn

[3] #3 withering s. [annihilating, devastating] making light of; "afire with annihilating invective"; "a devastating portrait of human folly"; "to compliments inflated I've a withering reply"- W.S.Gilbert. wn