Debilitating
dɪˈbɪlɪˌteɪtɪŋ
Definitions
Causing someone or something to be weak or to lose strength.
dɪˈbɪlɪˌteɪtɪŋ
Causing severe weakness or impairment.
The chronic pain was a debilitating condition.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to play a game, but a bad cold makes you feel super tired and weak. That cold has a debilitating effect because it stops you from playing well.
👶 For kids: Making you feel very weak and not able to do things easily.
More Examples
The heat was debilitating for the athletes.
The lack of sleep had a debilitating impact on her performance at work.
The side effects of the medication were debilitating.
How It's Used
"The disease has a debilitating effect on the patient's mobility."
"His debilitating anxiety prevented him from attending the conference."
"The economic downturn had a debilitating impact on local businesses."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Latin *debilitatus*, past participle of *debilitare* 'to weaken,' from *de-* 'down, away' + *habilitas* 'ability'.
The word gained prominence in medical and scientific contexts during the 18th and 19th centuries to describe diseases and conditions that caused physical weakness.
Memory tip
Think of a 'bill' (financial strain) that is 'de' (down) - 'debilitating' something financially or physically.
Word Origin
"To weaken, cripple; away from ability/skill."