Vocabulary Spotlight
Debilitate
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To make someone or something weak or feeble; to sap strength or energy.
“The prolonged illness debilitated him, leaving him too weak to work.”
Pronunciation
[dih-bil-i-teyt]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Enfeeble
Sap
Exhaust
Drain
Antonyms
Invigorate
Empower
Energize
Fortify
Related Words
Debilitating (adjective)
Debilitator (noun)
Word Origin
“Debilitate” comes from the Latin “debilitare,” meaning “to weaken” or “to render feeble.” The root “debilis” means “weak,” which gives the word its sense of diminishing strength.
Word Family
Noun: Debilitation – The act of making weak or enfeebled.
Adjective: Debilitating – Causing weakness or feebleness.
Noun: Debilitator – An agent that causes weakness.
Mnemonics
Think “Debilitate” as “De” + “Ability” – to take away ability or strength.
Another mnemonic: Imagine a battery being drained, symbolizing debilitation.
Industry-specific Usage
Healthcare
In healthcare, debilitating illnesses are those that significantly reduce a patient’s strength or quality of life.
Sports
In sports, injuries can be debilitating, causing athletes to lose strength or the ability to compete.
Business
Businesses may face debilitating financial losses that weaken their stability and ability to grow.
In Context
Debilitating conditions or events can occur in various aspects of life. In social contexts, continuous stress may be debilitating, affecting mental and physical health. Academically, a debilitating workload may hinder students’ performance.