hebetate

[ heb-i-teyt ]

verb (used with object)

, heb·e·tat·ed, heb·e·tat·ing.

1. to make dull or blunt.

hebetate

/ ˈhɛbɪˌteɪt /

adjective

1. (of plant parts) having a blunt or soft point

verb

1. rare.
   to make or become blunted

Derived Forms

• ˈhebeˌtative, adjective
• ˌhebeˈtation, noun

Other Words From

• hebe·tation noun
• hebe·tative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hebetate¹

1565–75; < Latin hebetātus made dull or blunt (past participle of hebetāre ), equivalent to hebet- (stem of hebes ) blunt, dull + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hebetate¹

C16: from Latin hebetāre to make blunt, from hebes blunt

Example Sentences

It can beget bigotry, breed hypocrisy or hebetate affections.

From Project Gutenberg