debilitate

[dih-bil-i-teyt]

verb (used with object)

debilitated, debilitating 

1. to make weak or feeble; enfeeble.

   The siege of pneumonia debilitated her completely.

   Synonyms: devitalize, enervate, deplete, weaken

debilitate

/ dɪˈbɪlɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to make feeble; weaken

Other Word Forms

• debilitant noun
• debilitation noun
• debilitative adjective
• nondebilitating adjective
• nondebilitative adjective
• overdebilitate verb (used with object)
• undebilitated adjective
• undebilitating adjective
• undebilitative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of debilitate¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin dēbilitātus (past participle of dēbilitāre ), equivalent to dēbilit-, stem of dēbilis “weak” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of debilitate¹

C16: from Latin dēbilitāre, from dēbilis weak

Example Sentences

Speaking of debilitating nostalgia, this one might feel a bit out of place in this album’s universe, but it’s a heartrending gem nonetheless.

From Los Angeles Times

Sian Jones, 72, has suffered from recurrent "debilitating" urinary tract infections for more than 50 years, and has lost two premature babies as a result.

From BBC

Prior to her diagnosis, Ms Boocock - who also has endometriosis - had lived with debilitating symptoms that left her regularly needing to use a walking stick.

From BBC

While schools were beginning to return to normal, Avalyn was struggling with a deep and debilitating fatigue, and eventually left school for home education.

From BBC

It was reported that she suffered from a debilitating infection known as the Epstein Barr virus, and from the chronic fatigue syndrome, ME.

From BBC

Related Words

• attenuate 
• cripple 
• disable 
• eviscerate