senility

American  

[si-nil-i-tee] / sɪˈnɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the state of being senile, especially the weakness or mental infirmity of old age.

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Etymology

Origin of senility

First recorded in 1770–80; senile + -ity

Compare meaning

How does senility compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• dementia vs. senility

Explanation

Senility refers to mental deterioration that often comes with old age, as in severe memory problems. If you find your shoes in the fridge or accidentally call your son by the dog's name, you may wonder if senility is kicking in. Senility is related to the word senile, which itself is from the Latin word senilis, meaning "old age." There are subtle differences between senility and Alzheimer's disease, which causes memory loss as well as emotional and behavioral changes. If you suspect someone you care about is experiencing senility or Alzheimer's disease, you should consult a physician because treatments may be available to help slow the process.

Example Sentences

Senility is a joy ride in the exultant, London-born revival of Tom Stoppard’s “Travesties,” which opened on Tuesday night at the American Airlines Theater.

From New York Times • Apr. 24, 2018

Senility is not pending, but familiarity certainly is, as rock's raffishness gets currycombed by nostalgia, spiffed up and repackaged for more genteel consumption.

From Time Magazine Archive

Senility is a vague term that stands for all the physical and mental infirmities that accompany old age, but in popular usage it is applied to failing mental processes.

From Time Magazine Archive

Senility in older people was believed to be due to something else, like hardening of the arteries.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is written that the old shall keep to the comfort of their beds! second priest: It’s a bad habit, beloved friend, this wandering about at night when monsters prowl. third priest: Senility.

From "Grendel" by John Gardner