incapacitating
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌɪn.kəˈpæs.ɪ.teɪ.tɪŋ/
KK: /ɪnˌkæpəˈseɪtɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Causing someone or something to be unable to function or act normally.
Example
The injury was incapacitating, leaving him unable to walk for weeks.
Conversation
Did you hear about the storm last night?
Yeah, it was pretty intense!
I hope it didn't cause any incapacitating damage around here.
Fortunately, I think we got lucky this time!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
debilitating
paralyzing
hampering
Antonyms
empowering
enabling
strengthening
verb
Definition
To make someone unable to do something or to function normally.
Example
The accident was so severe that it left him incapacitating for several months.
Tense Forms
Past: incapacitated
Past Participle: incapacitated
Conversation
Did you hear about that storm last night?
Yeah, it was so strong that it ended up incapacitating the power for hours.
That's crazy! I really hope it doesn't happen again.
Root Explanation
Incapacitating → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "capacitare" (from "capax", meaning able or capable) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process). The word "incapacitating" means the process of making someone or something unable or incapable of functioning.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('in-') being combined with 'able' ('capacitare') — this helps you remember that incapacitating means making someone unable to do something.
Visually Confused Words
capacitation