Emaciate

Verb

Definition: To make abnormally thin and weak, especially by causing significant weight loss.

Synonyms: Waste away, Become thin, Become skeletal

Antonyms: Fatten, Plump up, Strengthen

Examples:
  • The prolonged illness emaciated her and left her frail.
  • The prisoners were emaciated after months of limited food rations.
Mnemonics:
  • Imagine "e-" as "extreme" and "maciate" as "making thin", so emaciate means making someone extremely thin.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "emaciate" comes from the Latin verb "emaciāre", which is derived from the prefix "e-" (meaning "out" or "away") and the noun "macies" (meaning "thinness" or "wasting away").

Historical Usage:

The word has been in use since the 17th century.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Emaciated figure"

Explanation:

Refers to a person or creature whose body is excessively thin and weak due to significant weight loss or malnutrition.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "emaciate" with "emancipate".

Explanation:

"Emaciate" means to make thin and weak, while "emancipate" means to set free or liberate someone from slavery or constraints. These words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.

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