Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make someone or something physically or mentally weak; to enfeeble or sap the strength of.

Usage

• The verb debilitate is used to describe the action of causing a significant loss of strength, energy, or vitality. It often implies a gradual or prolonged weakening process.
• It is typically used with an object (a transitive verb). Something or someone debilitates another person or thing.
• Common contexts include illness, exhausting conditions, or stressful situations that drain power or resources.

Examples

• The prolonged illness debilitated her, leaving her bedridden for months.
• The company's finances were debilitated by years of poor management.
• Such a severe emotional shock can debilitate even the strongest person.

Advanced Usage

• "to be debilitated by": This common passive construction emphasizes the cause of the weakness.
  • The army was debilitated by hunger and disease.
• Used in medical, economic, and psychological contexts to describe a state of serious impairment.

Variants and Related Words

• Debilitating (adjective): Causing serious weakness.
  • She suffers from a debilitating chronic condition.
• Debilitation (noun): The state of being debilitated; the process of becoming weak.
  • The debilitation caused by the infection was rapid.

Synonyms

• Weaken: To make or become less strong.
• Enfeeble: To make extremely weak (more formal/literary).
• Sap: To gradually weaken or drain.
• Incapacitate: To deprive of strength or ability; to disable.

Antonyms

• Strengthen: To make or become stronger.
• Fortify: To strengthen or reinforce.
• Invigorate: To fill with life and energy.

Related Phrases

• Debilitating effect: Describes the weakening impact of something.
  • The drug has a debilitating effect on motor skills.

Verb

1. make weak
   • Life in the camp drained him