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
- The prolonged illness emaciated her and left her frail.
- The prisoners were emaciated after months of limited food rations.
- Imagine "e-" as "extreme" and "maciate" as "making thin", so emaciate means making someone extremely thin.
Etymology:
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:
"Emaciated figure"
Explanation:Refers to a person or creature whose body is excessively thin and weak due to significant weight loss or malnutrition.
Misconceptions:
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.