To wilt means to droop, sag, or lose freshness and strength. When you forget to water a plant, its leaves and stems bend downward and look tired because they've lost the water pressure that kept them standing tall and firm. That drooping is wilting.

The word also describes what happens to people when they lose energy or confidence. After running hard in hot weather, you might feel yourself wilting from exhaustion. When a student faces tough questions during a presentation, they might wilt under pressure, their confidence fading. A team might wilt in the final minutes of a close game, losing the energy they had at the start.

Wilting suggests a gradual weakening rather than a sudden collapse. A flower doesn't fall over all at once; it slowly bends and sags. Similarly, when someone wilts from heat or stress, they gradually lose their strength and alertness. The opposite of wilting is staying fresh, strong, and upright, whether you're a plant getting enough water or a person staying determined through challenges.