弱める
よわめる · yowameru · JLPT N3 · verb-ichidan
to weaken
🪫 弱 yowa(i) = weak + める = make it so: 弱める is to make weak
It is built on 弱い (yowai, weak). The ending める turns an adjective into a 'make it X' verb, the same pattern as 強める (tsuyomeru, to strengthen) and 高める (takameru, to raise). If you know 弱い, you already have most of this word.
弱 — two 弓 (bows) + two 彡 (feathers/strokes)
Originally depicted two bent bows with drooping feathers or fine hairs, suggesting something pliant and weak. The doubled 弓 emphasizes flexibility, while 彡 evokes delicate, thin strands. The image of a soft, bending bow extended to mean 'weak,' 'frail,' or 'young.'