Definition

To make someone or something very thin, often due to lack of food or illness.

Example

The disease began to emaciate the patient, leaving him frail and weak.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you seen how much weight Jake has lost lately?

Yeah, he looks really different; it's concerning.

I heard he might emaciate himself if he keeps this up.

I hope someone talks to him before it gets worse.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Emaciate is formed from "e-" (meaning out of or away) and "maciare" (from Latin, meaning to make thin). The word describes the process of making someone or something thin, often due to illness or lack of nourishment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'making thin' ('maciare') by taking something 'away' ('e-') — that's why emaciate means to become very thin.

Visually Confused Words