debilitate (C1)

verb

Pronunciation: /dɪˈbɪlɪteɪt/

Definition

To make someone or something physically or mentally weak.

Examples

• The disease can debilitate the elderly.

• His injury will debilitate him for the rest of the season.

• Years of stress had begun to debilitate her.

How to Use debilitate

debilitate someone (prepositional phrase)

To make a person physically or mentally weak. — "The constant worry began to debilitate her."

debilitate something (prepositional phrase)

To make an organization, system, or concept weaker or less effective. — "Corruption can debilitate even the strongest institutions."

Synonyms of debilitate

Words with a similar meaning to debilitate:

• weaken
• exhaust
• enfeeble
• incapacitate

Antonyms of debilitate

Words with the opposite meaning to debilitate:

• strengthen
• invigorate
• fortify

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