devitalize

American  

[dee-vahyt-l-ahyz] / diˈvaɪt lˌaɪz /

especially British, devitalise

verb (used with object)

devitalized, devitalizing

1. to deprive of vitality or vital properties; make lifeless; weaken.

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devitalize British  

/ diːˈvaɪtəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to lower or destroy the vitality of; make weak or lifeless

   the war devitalized the economy

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Other Word Forms

• devitalization noun

Etymology

Origin of devitalize

First recorded in 1840–50; de- + vitalize

Example Sentences

She was a tennis-playing nutritionist with a master's in biochemistry who was a critic of processed, "devitalized" foods and advocated for vitamin supplements.

From Salon

This can devitalize the plant to the point of it starting to die back.

From Seattle Times

Fernandez-Palacios was "just a pale reflection of an interfering, intrusive, badly educated, spoiled, capricious, devitalized and servile policy" that was submissive to the United States, the letter stated.

From Reuters

“A vast, flocculent cloud darkened and devitalized the city, mimicking the family mood like weather does in memories.”

From New York Times

One of the clear lessons of the last century is that accommodating a city to the needs of the automobile is probably the surest way to devitalize that city.

From New York Times