debility

American  

[dih-bil-i-tee] / dɪˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

debilities

1. a weakened or enfeebled state; weakness.

   Debility prevented him from getting out of bed.

2. a particular mental or physical disability.

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debility British  

/ dɪˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. weakness or infirmity

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Etymology

Origin of debility

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English debylite, from Middle French debilite, from Latin dēbilitās, from dēbil ( is ) “weak” + -itās -ity

Explanation

Debility is weakness caused by an illness, injury, or aging. Very elderly people often need extra care because of debility. Debility is similar to disability, although the first term tends to describe a slower process of slowing and weakening, either physically or mentally. It comes from the Latin debilitatem, "a weakening," and its roots, the prefix de-, "from or away," and -bilis, "strength." A lack of proper nutrition over a long period can cause debility, and the very act of living to be 120 is sure to result in debility as well.

Example Sentences

Debility is of much longer duration from labor in factories, stores, and in rooms warmed by stoves.

From Captains of Industry or, Men of Business Who Did Something Besides Making Money by Parton, James

VARICOCELE, or a wormy, swollen or twisted state of the veins in the bag, and of those that run down to the testicles, is a very common cause of both Spermatorrhœa, Impotency and Debility.

From Manhood Perfectly Restored Prof. Jean Civiale's Soluble Urethral Crayons as a Quick, Painless, and Certain Cure for Impotence, Etc. by Civiale Remedial Agency

Debility was succeeded by disease—fever preyed upon its little frame, which was now reduced to a skeleton.

From Charlemont; Or, the Pride of the Village. a Tale of Kentucky by Simms, William Gilmore

Debility is recognized as the prevailing type of our diseases.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 03, No. 15, January, 1859 by Various

Diet in Debility sent us from one of our Leading Hospitals.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson