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Enfeebled: meaning, definitions and examples

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enfeebled

 

[ ɪnˈfiːbld ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

physical state

Enfeebled refers to a state of being weakened or incapacitated. It describes a condition where someone or something has lost strength or vitality. This term can apply to both physical health, such as during an illness, and metaphorical contexts, where someone may feel mentally or emotionally drained. The sense of enfeeblement suggests a significant decline from a previously stronger state.

Synonyms

debilitated, feeble, fragile, impotent, weakened

Examples of usage

  • After weeks of illness, she felt enfeebled and exhausted.
  • The prolonged drought enfeebled the once-thriving crops.
  • His enfeebled state prevented him from joining the competition.

Translations

Translations of the word "enfeebled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 debilitado

🇮🇳 कमज़ोर

🇩🇪 geschwächt

🇮🇩 melemahkan

🇺🇦 ослаблений

🇵🇱 osłabiony

🇯🇵 衰弱した

🇫🇷 affaibli

🇪🇸 debilitado

🇹🇷 zayıflatılmış

🇰🇷 약해진

🇸🇦 ضعيف

🇨🇿 oslabený

🇸🇰 oslabený

🇨🇳 衰弱的

🇸🇮 oslabljen

🇮🇸 veikburður

🇰🇿 әлсіз

🇬🇪 სუსტებული

🇦🇿 zəifləmiş

🇲🇽 debilitado

Etymology

The word 'enfeebled' comes from the Middle English term 'enfeeblen,' which is derived from the prefix 'en-' meaning 'to cause to be' combined with the word 'feeble' that traces back to the Latin 'flebilis,' meaning 'weeping' or 'lamentable.' The evolution of 'feeble' transitioned through the Old French 'feeble,' which retained similar meanings pertaining to weakness or frailty. Over time, the addition of the prefix has shifted the word to describe the act or state of becoming weak. The word has been used in various contexts, especially in literature and medical terminology, to express a decline in strength, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. Its usage can often be found in discussions about health, especially in relation to aging or illness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,479, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.