Definition of the word waste away

The phrase "waste away" is a figurative expression that implies a gradual loss of mass, strength, or vitality. It has been in use since the late 1400s, first appearing in the English language as "wasten ay" in the poem "The Sege of Troye" by John Lydgate. The word "waste" originated in the Middle English period (1100-1400) and was used to describe something that was used up or expended without any useful return. This meaning evolved from the Old English word "weastan," which meant "to misuse or destroy" something. The verb "away" in this expression stems from the Old English word "āge," which is a past participle that indicates motion or movement. Its etymological roots lie in the Proto-Germanic word "agaz," which means "moving" or "journeying." Both "waste" and "away" have evolved over time, but they continue to convey their original meanings in modern usage. "Waste" is now described as "the action or process of utilizing something to no advantage" or "to consume or expend uselessly," while "away" is typically used to signify "a direction in which something moves or passes" or "from a certain place." In summary, the phrase "waste away" is a concise and expressive way to illustrate the idea of gradual dissipation or deterioration, utilizing words that have been part of the English language for centuries.