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Debilitated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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debilitated

[dษชหˆbษชl.ษช.teษช.tษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling weak

Having been debilitated by a severe illness, she struggled to even get out of bed.

Synonyms

feeble, frail, weak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
debilitated

Used when describing someone or something that has been weakened, usually due to illness, injury, or a specific debilitating condition.

  • After the long illness, she felt debilitated and needed help to get around.
  • The long hours of work have debilitated him, and he needs rest.
weak

A broad term for lacking physical strength, energy, or effectiveness. It can be used in various contexts like physical strength, arguments, performance, etc.

  • She felt weak after the hike and needed to sit down.
  • His weak argument failed to convince anyone at the meeting.
feeble

Applied when referring to someone or something that lacks strength or effectiveness, often due to age or illness. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation.

  • His feeble attempts to lift the box only made everyone laugh.
  • The old manโ€™s voice was so feeble that it was hard to hear him.
frail

Generally used to describe physical weakness, especially in elderly people, indicating fragility and vulnerability.

  • The frail old lady needed assistance to cross the street.
  • Their grandmother has become quite frail over the years.

Examples of usage

  • The debilitated patient required assistance with even the simplest tasks.
  • After the long hike, he felt debilitated and sore all over.
Context #2 | Verb

to make someone weak

The disease debilitated her body, leaving her unable to perform daily activities.

Synonyms

disable, impair, weaken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
debilitated

Used to describe a state where someone or something is in poor health or weakened condition, often over a period of time, due to illness or other factors.

  • The patient was debilitated after a long illness
  • The marathon left him feeling debilitated
weaken

Used to describe a state where someone or something loses strength or power. This can be temporary or due to ongoing conditions and can apply broadly to physical, mental, or structural aspects.

  • Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system
  • The bridge was weakened by the flood
impair

This term often describes a reduction in strength or ability in a general sense. It can relate to physical functions, mental capacities, or other attributes and is typically negative.

  • Alcohol consumption can impair your judgment
  • His vision was impaired after the injury

Examples of usage

  • The lack of food and water debilitated the survivors of the shipwreck.
  • The constant stress debilitated his immune system, making him more susceptible to illness.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Terminology

  • Commonly used in medical contexts to describe patients who are too weak to perform normal activities due to illness.
  • In chronic illnesses, debilitation can refer to long-term weakness and the challenges in recovering energy.

Psychology

  • Feelings of debilitation are often linked with depression or anxiety, affecting motivation and energy levels.
  • Studies show that mental fatigue can lead to a sense of physical debilitation, emphasizing the mind-body connection.

Cultural References

  • In literature and film, characters may become debilitated as a form of transformation or growth, often depicting a pivotal moment in their journey.
  • Throughout history, wars and pandemics have left many societies debilitated, influencing cultural recovery and resilience.

Physical Health

  • Debilitation can occur due to nutritional deficiencies, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining strength.
  • Age-related degeneration can lead individuals to feel debilitated, emphasizing the need for regular physical activity.

Origin of 'debilitated'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'debilitare', meaning 'to weaken' or 'to impair'.
  • The prefix 'de-' means 'down from' or 'away', while 'bilis' refers to 'strong', highlighting a loss of strength.

The word debilitated originated from the Latin word 'debilitatus', which means 'made weak'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-16th century. The prefix 'de-' signifies 'down' or 'away', while 'bilitare' comes from 'bilitas', meaning 'strength'. Therefore, debilitated refers to the state of being made weak or having one's strength taken away.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,700, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.