senile

[ see-nahyl, -nil, sen-ahyl ]

/ ˈsi naɪl, -nɪl, ˈsɛn aɪl /

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adjective

showing a decline or deterioration of physical strength or mental functioning, especially short-term memory and alertness, as a result of old age or disease.

of or belonging to old age or aged persons; gerontological; geriatric.

Physical Geography. (of topographical features) having been reduced by erosion to a featureless plain that stands everywhere at base level.Compare peneplain.

noun

a senile person.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of senile

1655–65; <Latin senīlis old, equivalent to sen(ex) old man (akin to senior) + -īlis-ile

OTHER WORDS FROM senile

un·se·nile, adjective

Words nearby senile

Senghor, sengi, senhor, senhora, senhorita, senile, senile dementia, senile macular degeneration, senility, senior, senior aircraftman

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use senile in a sentence

The issue is about more than just the heightened risk of a sudden death tilting the balance of power, or a senile leader making important decisions.
Should Aging Government Leaders Have to Pass Cognitive Tests to Serve?|Charlotte Alter|October 21, 2021|Time
You realize the person's become hopelessly senile, a fact you have to forgive if you ever want to enjoy your time with them.
'Glee' 100th Episode: The Sad Ballad of an Elderly Trainwreck|Kevin Fallon|March 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The General in command of the station was a feeble old man, suffering from senile decay.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
He bewailed the loss of his automobile that had perished of senile decay at Aix-en-Provence.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke

A sickening revolt seized him, aggravated by the smiles of the old woman, who dipped and courtesied before him in senile delight.
The Circular Study|Anna Katharine Green
The sight of his senile weariness flashed the irony of the whole wild dream into Valmond's mind.
When Valmond Came to Pontiac, Complete|Gilbert Parker
To Average Jones' inquiring gaze on this summer day it opposed the secrecy of a senile indifference.
Average Jones|Samuel Hopkins Adams

British Dictionary definitions for senile

senile

/ (ˈsiːnaɪl) /

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of old age

mentally or physically weak or infirm on account of old age

(of land forms or rivers) at an advanced stage in the cycle of erosionSee old (def. 18)

Derived forms of senile

senilely, adverbsenility (sɪˈnɪlɪtɪ), noun

Word Origin for senile

C17: from Latin senīlis, from senex an old man

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

senile

Origin of senile

OTHER WORDS FROM senile

Words nearby senile

Words related to senile

How to use senile in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for senile

Derived forms of senile

Word Origin for senile