senile
showing a decline or deterioration of physical strength or mental functioning, especially short-term memory and alertness, as a result of old age or disease.
of or belonging to old age or aged persons; gerontological; geriatric.
Physical Geography. (of topographical features) having been reduced by erosion to a featureless plain that stands everywhere at base level.: Compare peneplain.
a senile person.
Origin of senile
1Other words from senile
- un·se·nile, adjective
Words Nearby senile
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use senile in a sentence
The issue is about more than just the heightened risk of a sudden death tilting the balance of power, or a senile leader making important decisions.
Should Aging Government Leaders Have to Pass Cognitive Tests to Serve? | Charlotte Alter | October 21, 2021 | TimeYou realize the person's become hopelessly senile, a fact you have to forgive if you ever want to enjoy your time with them.
'Glee' 100th Episode: The Sad Ballad of an Elderly Trainwreck | Kevin Fallon | March 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe General in command of the station was a feeble old man, suffering from senile decay.
The Red Year | Louis TracyHe bewailed the loss of his automobile that had perished of senile decay at Aix-en-Provence.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol | William J. LockeA sickening revolt seized him, aggravated by the smiles of the old woman, who dipped and courtesied before him in senile delight.
The Circular Study | Anna Katharine Green
The sight of his senile weariness flashed the irony of the whole wild dream into Valmond's mind.
When Valmond Came to Pontiac, Complete | Gilbert ParkerTo Average Jones' inquiring gaze on this summer day it opposed the secrecy of a senile indifference.
Average Jones | Samuel Hopkins Adams
British Dictionary definitions for senile
/ (ˈsiːnaɪl) /
of, relating to, or characteristic of old age
mentally or physically weak or infirm on account of old age
(of land forms or rivers) at an advanced stage in the cycle of erosion: See old (def. 18)
Origin of senile
1Derived forms of senile
- senilely, adverb
- senility (sɪˈnɪlɪtɪ), noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse