shrivel up

shrivel up

1. To become totally withered or wrinkled, as due to an absence or departure of water. All the plants in the house shriveled up while we were away because Jason forgot to water them for us. Isn't weird how your fingers shrivel up like a prune when you're in the bath for too long?
2. To cause someone or something to become totally withered or wrinkled, as due to an absence or departure of water. A noun or pronoun can be used between "shrivel" and "up." The heat in this part of the country is enough to shrivel up any plant you leave outside, so most people's lawns are either artificial or filled with gravel. This dehydration machine will shrivel your fruit up so that it will last longer without going bad.
3. To cause someone or something to become totally withered or wrinkled, as due to an absence or departure of water. A noun or pronoun can be used between "shrivel" and "up." The heat in this part of the country is enough to shrivel up any plant you leave outside, so most people's lawns are either artificial or filled with gravel. This dehydration machine will shrivel your fruit up so that it will last longer without going bad.
4. To dwindle or lose potency, especially gradually over time. Our clients' patience has shriveled up—they want an answer, now! I could feel my interest in her play shriveling up by the minute.
See also: up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

shrivel up

v.
1. To become completely shrunken and wrinkled: The leaves shriveled up and fell off the tree.
2. To cause something to become completely shrunken and wrinkled: The lack of rain shriveled up my roses. Soaking in the tub for too long will shrivel your skin up.
3. To lose vitality or intensity; dwindle: The buying power of the dollar shriveled up as inflation worsened.
See also: up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • wither up
  • withered
  • withering
  • withers
  • wither
  • wither away
  • shrink up
  • be dead on the vine
  • seized with (something)
  • familiarize (someone or oneself) with (something)
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