debilitate
Translation
to weaken, to enfeeble
Examples
The illness can debilitate the patient.
The illness can debilitate the patient.
The strike debilitated the country's economy.
The strike debilitated the country's economy.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to weaken (sb. or sth.) greatly The illness can debilitate the patient.
Similar Words
Synonyms: weaken, enfeeble, undermine; Antonyms: strengthen, invigorate, fortify
Etymology
From Latin 'debilitare', from 'debilis' meaning 'weak'. It combines 'de-' (down, away) and 'habilis' (able), essentially meaning 'to make unable'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'de-' as 'down' and connect it to 'ability'. To bring someone's ability down is to debilitate them.