incapacitation

American  

[in-kuh-pas-i-tey-shuhn] / ɪn kəˌpæs ɪˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the state of not having the necessary ability, qualification, or strength to perform some specified act or function; incapacity.

   When the brain lacks sufficient oxygen, cognitive and mental ability declines, followed by physical incapacitation, and then unconsciousness or even death.

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Etymology

Origin of incapacitation

First recorded in 1720–30; incapacitat(e) ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

In a heavily redacted indictment made public this week, authorities described a conspiracy in which those in the group would approach intoxicated people leaving bars or nightclubs, strike up conversations and then “offer and administer dangerous and illicit substances to them for the purpose of causing their incapacitation.”

From Washington Post

Even more pointedly, the memos observe that a criminal prosecution against a sitting president could result in "physical interference with the President's performance of his official duties that it would amount to an incapacitation."

From Salon

Criminologists talk about four justifications for prison — punishment, incapacitation, deterrence and rehabilitation.

From New York Times

After reiterating the reasons that Doe’s superiors and subordinates don’t trust him, Powell explained the medical risks: Unvaccinated individuals are at far higher risk of serious illness; if Doe contracted COVID, his incapacitation would undermine naval operations and potentially cause an outbreak among the crew.

From Slate

Voting rolls are updated constantly as people move, die, get convicted of felonies or have their voting rights revoked because of incapacitation.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• failure
• impotence
• incompetence
• inefficiency
• ineptitude
• lack
• shortcoming
• weakness