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.

---

devitalize British  

/ diːˈvaɪtəˌlaɪz /

verb

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

   the war devitalized the economy

---

Other Word Forms

• devitalization noun

Etymology

Origin of devitalize

First recorded in 1840–50; de- + vitalize

Example Sentences

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

From Seattle Times

For progressive celebrators, “the risk of stifling, enervating, or devitalizing human society is not even part of their calculation.”

From Washington Post

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

Miller’s writing début may have been precipitated by her assault, but the final work devitalizes its horrific beginnings.

From The New Yorker

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

From New York Times