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Synonyms

exanimate

American  
[eg-zan-uh-mit, -meyt, ek-san-] / ɛgˈzæn ə mɪt, -ˌmeɪt, ɛkˈsæn- /

adjective

  1. inanimate or lifeless.

  2. spiritless; disheartened.


exanimate British  
/ ɪɡˈzænɪmɪt, -ˌmeɪt /

adjective

  1. rare lacking life; inanimate

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of exanimate

1525–35; < Latin exanimātus (past participle of exanimāre to deprive of life), equivalent to ex- ex- 1 + anim ( a ) life, spirit + -ātus -ate 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It looked exanimate enough, with its idle wheel looming above the black stream dashed with yellow-white spume, and its cluster of sheds sagging under their white load.

From Ethan Frome by Wharton, Edith

The frozen lash was soon severed and the two exanimate bodies lifted in eager hands.

From The Promise A Tale of the Great Northwest by Hendryx, James B. (James Beardsley)

He gazed at an exanimate Louis, made a few inquiries and a few observations of his own, gave some brief instructions, and departed.

From The Price of Love by Bennett, Arnold

Silence on the bier, While I call God—call God!—so let thy mouth Be heir to those who are now exanimate.

From Sonnets from the Portuguese by Browning, Elizabeth Barrett

But I, exanimate of quick Poesy,— O then, no more but even a soulless corse!

From New Poems by Thompson, Francis

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