Incapacitate: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used in formal or medical contexts to describe making someone or something unable to function normally, usually temporarily.

• The illness could incapacitate him for several weeks.
• The accident incapacitated her from working.

This word is used to indicate making someone or something unable to work or perform a particular task, often temporarily. It is commonly seen in technical and medical contexts.

• The virus could disable the entire computer network.
• The injury disabled him from performing his duties.

This word describes preventing something or someone from moving. It's often used in medical or mechanical contexts.

• They had to immobilize her leg to allow the bone to heal.
• The police used a device to immobilize the suspect’s car.

This term has a negative connotation and can be offensive. It is usually used to describe severe or permanent damage that causes someone to lose the ability to move or function properly.

• The war crippled many soldiers both physically and mentally.
• She was crippled by the accident.

This word is used to describe making someone or something less strong or powerful. It can be applied to physical strength, structural integrity, or effectiveness.

• The long illness had weakened him considerably.
• The medication may weaken your immune system.