Debilitate

Verb

Definition: To make someone or something weak and lacking physical or mental energy.

Synonyms: Weaken, Disable, Enfeeble

Antonyms: Strengthen, Invigorate, Fortify

Examples:
  • The illness debilitated him, leaving him bedridden for weeks.
  • The economic crisis has debilitated the country's infrastructure.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of debilitation as a process of reducing strength and energy.
  • Picture a broken robot unable to move or function properly, representing debilitation.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "debilitate" originated from the Latin word "debilitatus", past participle of "debilitare", which means "to weaken".

Historical Usage:

The term has been used in the English language since the early 17th century.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Debilitated state"

Explanation:

Refers to a condition or situation where someone or something is in a weakened and incapacitated state.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Considering "debilitate" as a permanent state rather than a temporary weakening.

Explanation:

Debilitation implies a temporary or ongoing state of weakness, not a permanent state.

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