incapacitate

[in-kuh-pas-i-teyt]

verb (used with object)

incapacitated, incapacitating 

1. to deprive of ability, qualification, or strength; make incapable or unfit; disable.

   Synonyms: weaken, impair, sideline, handicap

2. Law.,  to deprive of the legal power to act in a specified way or ways.

incapacitate

/ ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. to deprive of power, strength, or capacity; disable

2. to deprive of legal capacity or eligibility

Other Word Forms

• incapacitation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of incapacitate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; incapacit(y) + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Lights, noises, smells and crowds that others barely notice may cause incapacitating anxiety.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He was ultimately incapacitated by strikes from the side, and once he fell to the ground, the attackers delivered fatal blows to his head and face.

Read more on Science Daily

Name a power of attorney to make financial decisions should you become incapacitated, and medical power of attorney.

Read more on MarketWatch

The power of attorney should be “durable” and should specify that you will make decisions on his behalf when he is incapacitated.

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But they want to get their finances set in case one of them becomes incapacitated.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cripple 
• disable 
• immobilize 
• maim 
• paralyze