Enervated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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enervated

[ˈɛnərˌveɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

state of being

Enervated describes a state of feeling drained of energy or vitality. It is often used to express fatigue, weakness, or a lack of ambition as a result of physical or emotional strain.

Synonyms

drained, exhausted, fatigued, weakened.

Examples of usage

  • After the long meeting, I felt completely enervated.
  • The heat enervated the athletes before the big game.
  • She was enervated by the constant stress of her job.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters often use the term to describe a sense of being overwhelmed, reflecting mental fatigue rather than just physical tiredness.
  • The term appears in various works to express emotional states, suggesting deeper struggles beneath the surface.

Psychology

  • Feelings of being enervated can often relate to conditions like depression or anxiety, where motivation and energy are significantly diminished.
  • Research indicates that chronic stress can lead to states of enervation, affecting both mental and physical health.

Pop Culture

  • In contemporary media, characters often describe themselves as enervated after a long day of work or extreme stress, highlighting the relatable nature of burnout.
  • Songs and movies portraying characters experiencing enervation often symbolize deeper personal struggles or societal issues.

Health

  • Enervation is commonly discussed in health contexts, particularly in relation to fatigue disorders or conditions that impair energy production.
  • Many lifestyle factors, including inadequate sleep, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise, contribute to feelings of enervation.

Origin of 'enervated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'enervare', meaning 'to weaken', which combines 'e-' (completely) and 'nervare' (to strengthen).
  • It originally referred to cutting the nerves, which metaphorically suggests loss of strength or vitality.

The term 'enervated' is derived from the Latin word 'enervare', which means 'to weaken' or 'to deprive of strength'. The root 'nervus' in Latin signifies 'nerve', which links the concept of physical strength and vitality with the essence of the word. The use of 'enervate' in English dates back to the late 16th century, primarily in literary contexts. Over time, it has evolved to describe a broad range of conditions involving a loss of energy or vigor, encompassing both physical and mental states. Today, it is used in various contexts, particularly in medical, psychological, and casual conversations to depict a feeling of exhaustion or lethargy.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,690 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.