Definition

Adjective 1. Freed from dependence on something, especially a mother's milk: Describes a young mammal that has stopped feeding on its mother's milk and has begun to eat other food. 2. Having become detached or withdrawn from a habit, interest, or dependency: Used more broadly to describe someone or something that has been caused to give up a former habit or attachment.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The weaned lamb now grazes with the rest of the flock.
  • It is easier to train a weaned puppy as it can focus for longer periods.
  • (Figurative) He was a man weaned from his illusions about easy success.

Advanced Usage

• "Newly-weaned" or "just-weaned": Emphasizes that the process of weaning has only very recently been completed.
  • The just-weaned piglets need special, easily digestible feed.
• Used in a figurative or psychological context to describe detachment from an idea or comfort.
  • A generation weaned on digital technology.

Variants and Related Words

• Wean (verb): To accustom (a young mammal) to food other than its mother's milk; to cause someone to give up a habit or dependency.
  • The farmer will wean the calves next month.
  • She tried to wean herself off social media.

Synonyms

• Detached (from a habit)
• Accustomed (to a new condition)
• Past the suckling stage (specific to mammals)

Antonyms

• Unweaned
• Suckling
• Dependent

Adjective

1. freed of dependence on something especially (for mammals) mother's milk
   • the just-weaned calf bawled for its mother