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Definition of debilitate

debilitate

/dɪˈbɪl.ɪ.teɪt/
de · bil · i · tate
Adjective:debilitating
•
Past Simple:debilitated
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Past Participle:debilitated
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Present Participle:debilitating
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debilitate Lexical Profile

debilitate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make someone very weak and infirm; to severely reduce the physical or mental strength of a person or organism.

Example

"Untreated chronic illness can severely debilitate a patient over several months."

2

To hinder, delay, or weaken the effectiveness of an organization, economy, or system.

Example

"Prolonged supply chain disruptions threatened to debilitate the regional manufacturing sector."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for debilitate

• Nearby Words

debauch
debauched
debauchery
debilitate
debilitating
debilitation
debility

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 16th century from Latin debilitatus, the past participle of debilitare ('to weaken'), from debilis ('weak'), formed from de- ('away from') and habilis ('able, strong').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Debilitate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/debilitate
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