wean

[wiːn]

wean Definition

• 1. accustom (an infant or other young mammal) to food other than its mother's milk
• 2. accustom (someone) to managing without something on which they have become dependent or of which they have become excessively fond

Using wean: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wean" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The baby was weaned from breast milk at six months.

• Example

  It's time to wean yourself off caffeine.

• Example

  She weaned herself off cigarettes.

• Example

  The company is trying to wean customers away from its competitors.

wean Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for wean

• withdraw
• unlearn
• unhook
• detox
• break the habit

Antonyms for wean

• indulge
• spoil

Phrases with wean

• wean off

  gradually reduce someone's dependence on a substance or habit

  Example

  He's trying to wean himself off painkillers.

• wean onto

  gradually introduce someone to a new food or habit

  Example

  She's trying to wean her baby onto solid foods.

• wean from

  gradually stop someone from doing something or using something

  Example

  The clinic helps people wean themselves from drugs.

Origins of wean

from Old English 'wenian', meaning 'to accustom'

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Summary: wean in Brief

'Wean' [wiːn] means to gradually accustom someone or something to a new food, habit, or situation. It can refer to infants being introduced to solid foods or adults breaking a dependency on something. Examples include 'The baby was weaned from breast milk at six months.' and 'The company is trying to wean customers away from its competitors.' 'Wean' can be used in phrases like 'wean off,' 'wean onto,' and 'wean from.'