Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Causing someone to become unable to function or act normally: Describes something that severely weakens, disables, or renders a person or thing ineffective.
   • Having the effect of making someone or something incapable: Imposing a condition that prevents normal physical or mental activity.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The soldier suffered an incapacitating injury during the mission. (The injury was so severe it made the soldier unable to continue his duties.)
  • She was diagnosed with an incapacitating illness that left her bedridden. (The illness had the effect of disabling her, preventing normal activity.)
  • The new security software had an incapacitating effect on the computer virus. (The software rendered the virus completely ineffective.)

Advanced Usage

• "incapacitating effect": A powerful effect that completely disables or neutralizes.
  • The drug's side effects can have an incapacitating effect on cognitive functions.
• "legally incapacitating": A condition that, by legal definition, removes a person's ability to make decisions or manage affairs.
  • The court ruled that the stroke was legally incapacitating, requiring the appointment of a guardian.

Variants and Related Words

• Incapacitate (verb): To deprive of strength, ability, or power; to disable.
  • The gas was designed to incapacitate the enemy troops without causing permanent harm.
• Incapacity (noun): The state of being unable to function or act; lack of capacity.
  • His mental incapacity meant he could not sign the legal contract.

Synonyms

• Crippling: Causing severe damage or impairment, often making movement or function impossible.
• Disabling: Making someone or something unable to perform its function.
• Debilitating: Weakening or enfeebling, often over a long period.

Antonyms

• Enabling: Making something possible or providing the means.
• Strengthening: Making stronger or more robust.
• Empowering: Giving power or authority to; making someone stronger and more confident.

Related Phrases

• "incapacitating blow": A strike or event that completely disables an opponent or system.
  • The economic sanctions were an incapacitating blow to the regime.
• "temporarily incapacitating": Causing a loss of ability for a limited, non-permanent period.
  • The flashbang grenade is designed to be temporarily incapacitating.

Adjective

1. that cripples or disables or incapacitates
   • a crippling injury