To **debilitate** means to weaken someone or something, often physically, emotionally, or financially. It implies a gradual process of diminishing strength, vitality, or effectiveness. This weakening can be caused by disease, stress, overuse, or other adverse conditions, making the subject less able to function or perform tasks as they once could. The impact is often felt in a reduction of energy, resilience, and overall capacity, leading to a state of diminished capacity or impairment. Furthermore, the process usually describes a long, drawn-out effect to slowly diminish capacity.
Debilitates meaning with examples
- The flu debilitates many people, leaving them bedridden with little energy. Sarah felt the effects the moment she woke. Her headache left her unable to focus on work and made her body ache when she attempted to sit up. The illness sapped her strength, making the simplest tasks a monumental effort. The weakening made it difficult to even focus on daily tasks.
- Chronic stress can **debilitate** mental health, increasing anxiety and depression. The constant pressure of job loss and financial struggles eroded her coping mechanisms. The constant exhaustion became overwhelming, leading to a breakdown and a decreased ability to find solutions to her problems. Her mental state made even the most basic decision, a complicated, overthought effort.
- Years of overtraining and injury debilitates many athletes. His body was tired of trying to compete at a high level. The relentless pursuit of excellence resulted in joint problems and muscle imbalances that curtailed their ability to perform at the high standard they wanted. The weakening caused him to retire prematurely.
- Lack of access to clean water and food can **debilitate** communities, making them more vulnerable to disease. The resources were already a problem and this only made it worse. This leaves their populations susceptible to sickness and death. The weakening effect of malnutrition prevented the children from learning and made the adults unable to work.
Debilitates Synonyms
cripples enervates exhausts fatigues impairs incapacitates saps undermines weakensDebilitates Antonyms
energizes enlivens fortifies powers rejuvenates revitalizes strengthensDebilitates Crossword Answers
7 Letters
IMPAIRS WEAKENS