Debilitate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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debilitate
[dih-BIL-i-teyt ]
Definition
to weaken
To debilitate means to make someone or something weak or infirm. It is often used in a medical context to describe the state of being weakened by illness or injury. The term can also apply to situations that cause a decline in strength or effectiveness.
Synonyms
disable, enfeeble, impair, weaken.
Examples of usage
- The disease can debilitate the body over time.
- The extended drought has debilitated the crops.
- Overtraining can debilitate an athlete's performance.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Medicine
- Certain diseases can debilitate the body, leading to muscle weakness and exhaustion over time.
- In medical contexts, the term might describe the effects of chronic illnesses, which can gradually wear down one’s physical stamina.
- Debilitation can also refer to both physical symptoms and psychological states, affecting a person's overall quality of life.
Psychology
- Feeling debilitated can be common in mental health, especially following traumatic experiences that drain emotional energy.
- Stress and anxiety can debilitate one’s ability to think clearly or make decisions.
- Therapists may work with clients to address the feelings of debilitation by fostering resilience.
Literature
- In gothic literature, characters may often experience a debilitating sense of dread that impacts their actions.
- Literature often explores themes of debilitation, where protagonists face trials that weaken both their spirit and physical strength.
- Poems may reflect feelings of debilitation, capturing the struggle between strength and vulnerability.
Pop Culture
- In video games, characters can be debilitate by status effects, making it hard for them to fight or defend.
- Films sometimes depict heroes who are debilitate by loss or hardship, showcasing their journey back to strength.
- Reality TV shows may highlight moments of emotional debilitation, creating dramatic arcs that resonate with viewers.
Origin of 'debilitate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'debilitare', which means 'to weaken'.
- Its roots are 'de-', meaning 'down' or 'from', and 'habilis', meaning 'able' or 'capable'.
- This term has been part of the English language since the early 15th century.
The word 'debilitate' originates from the Latin 'debilitare', which combines 'de-' meaning 'down or away from' and 'habilitare', derived from 'habilis', meaning 'handy, fit, or able'. The Latin term translates roughly to 'to make weak'. The usage of 'debilitate' has been recorded in English since the early 17th century. Initially, it was employed primarily in a medical context but has since broadened to encompass various scenarios that imply weakening or deterioration. The evolution of the word reflects the changing nature of language and the incorporation of Latin roots into English vocabulary, illustrating the influence of classical languages on modern terminology.