Dieback /ˈdībak/ noun 

Definition: Dieback is a noun that comes from a line of words used to refer to plant pathology. It is used to refer to a certain condition present in plants where the branches start literally from the tip of the plant inward. 

There are several causes of dieback. Dieback commonly occurs when several types of bacteria are present in the plant. There are also a number of fungi or certain viruses that can lead to dieback. The conditions present in the environment can also cause dieback.

Etymology: Dieback is an American expression that dates back to the mid-1850s. It has been used since this time to refer specifically to plants, trees, and shrubs. There are also variants of the word used in England.

In a Sentence

Crown dieback is the result of a plant that is unduly stressed, and it is typically caused by the presence of aluminum.

You should prune the parts of a plant that are infected as soon as you realize a bush has developed dieback.

Rose dieback can happen any time of the year and can stem from a fungus or pest. 

Synonyms 

Wither, Shrivel, Disease

Antonyms 

Bloom, Raise, Restoration