enfeeble

en·fee·ble

verb \in-ˈfē-bəl, en-\

en·fee·bleden·fee·bling\-b(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of ENFEEBLE

transitive verb

: to make feeble : deprive of strength

— en·fee·ble·ment \-bəl-mənt\ noun

Examples of ENFEEBLE

1. <long periods of being confined to a hospital bed will enfeeble anyone>

Origin of ENFEEBLE

Middle English enfeblen, from Anglo-French enfebler, enfeblir, from en- + feble feeble

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ENFEEBLE

Synonyms: debilitate, devitalize, enervate, weaken, etiolate, prostrate, sap, soften, tire, waste

Antonyms: beef (up), fortify, strengthen

Related Words: cripple, disable, hamstring, incapacitate; deplete, depress, exhaust, impoverish, unman, wash out; damage, harm, hurt, impair, injure, invalid, lay up; break down, grind (down), wear down, wear out; paralyze

Near Antonyms: energize, invigorate, recruit, rejuvenate, vitalize; harden, season, toughen

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See Synonym Discussion at weaken