Definition

To weaken someone or something, making it less strong or effective.

Example

The illness can debilitate even the strongest athletes.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I’ve been feeling so tired lately, like everything is trying to debilitate my energy.

Yeah, I get that. Sometimes stress can really drain you.

Exactly! It's like I can't catch a break before it hits me again.

You should take some time to relax; it really helps recharge your batteries.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Debilitate is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "habilitare" (meaning to make able or to enable). The word describes the act of making someone or something less able or weaker.

Memory Tip

Think of 'making less able' — 'de-' means down or away, and 'habilitare' means to enable. This helps you remember that debilitate means to weaken or impair.

Visually Confused Words