Enervate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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enervate

[ˈɛnərˌveɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

make weak

To enervate means to weaken someone or something physically, mentally, or emotionally. It suggests a significant loss of energy or vitality, often leaving a person feeling drained or fatigued.

Synonyms

debilitate, enfeeble, exhaust, fatigue, weaken.

Examples of usage

  • The heat of the sun can enervate even the most energetic people.
  • The long hours of studying seemed to enervate her.
  • The long illness had enervated him, leaving him exhausted.
  • The constant stress at work began to enervate her spirit.

Translations

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Origin of 'enervate'

The word 'enervate' comes from the Latin word 'enervare', which is a combination of 'e-' meaning 'out of' and 'nervare', meaning 'to weaken' or 'to make weak'. The root 'nervus' translates to 'nerve' or 'sinew', reflecting the notion of strength or vigor that is diminished. The term was first introduced to the English language in the 16th century, around the time it was used in literary contexts to describe a loss of physical or mental vitality. Over time, its usage expanded and became more metaphorical, especially in literature, where it often describes the effects of prolonged stress or fatigue on individuals. The evolution of the word from Latin to modern English has maintained its core meaning of weakness, but its applications have become broader, now often used in both physical and metaphorical senses.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,972, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.