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Incapacitating: meaning, definitions and examples

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incapacitating

 

[ ɪnˈkæpəˌsteɪtɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

physical status

Incapacitating refers to something that causes loss of ability or effectiveness, rendering an individual unable to perform daily functions or tasks. This term is often used in medical contexts, such as in reference to illnesses or injuries that impair physical or mental capabilities.

Synonyms

disabled, immobilized, impairing

Examples of usage

  • The incapacitating injuries required several months of rehabilitation.
  • His incapacitating anxiety made it difficult for him to leave the house.
  • The medication had a temporarily incapacitating effect on her motor skills.

Etymology

The term incapacitating is derived from the verb 'incapacitate', which has Latin roots. The prefix 'in-' is a Latin negative particle meaning 'not' or 'without', while 'capacitare' is derived from 'capax', meaning 'able' or 'capable'. The evolution of the word reflects the action of making someone incapable or unfit. It entered the English language in the mid-20th century, gaining prominence in both legal and medical terminology, especially in discussions around disabilities, injuries, or conditions that obstruct normal functionality.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,230, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.