Search Dictionary
Definition of enervating

enervating

/ˈɛn.ərˌveɪ.tɪŋ/
en · er · vat · ing
Adverb:enervatingly
JUMP TO:

enervating Lexical Profile

enervating Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing one to feel drained of energy or vitality; weakening or exhausting.

Example

"The oppressive midsummer heat and humidity had an enervating effect on the hikers."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for enervating
Antonyms
View all antonyms for enervating

Word Nuance & Usage

Because it resembles 'energizing', 'enervating' is frequently misunderstood as its opposite; however, it actually means draining of energy or weakening, not invigorating.

• Nearby Words

energizer
energizing
energy
enervating
enfeeble
enfeeblement
enfevered

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the present participle of 'enervate', from Latin 'enervare' ('to weaken, cut the sinews of'), formed from 'e-' ('out of') and 'nervus' ('sinew, muscle').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Enervating. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/enervating
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.