Synonym Chooser

How is the word debilitate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of debilitate are cripple, disable, enfeeble, sap, undermine, and weaken. While all these words mean "to lose or cause to lose strength or vigor," debilitate suggests a less marked or more temporary impairment of strength or vitality.

the debilitating effects of surgery

When is cripple a more appropriate choice than debilitate?

The words cripple and debilitate can be used in similar contexts, but cripple implies causing a serious loss of functioning power through damaging or removing an essential part or element.

crippled by arthritis

Where would disable be a reasonable alternative to debilitate?

While in some cases nearly identical to debilitate, disable suggests bringing about impairment or limitation in a physical or mental ability.

disabled by an injury sustained at work

When would enfeeble be a good substitute for debilitate?

Although the words enfeeble and debilitate have much in common, enfeeble implies a condition of marked weakness and helplessness.

enfeebled by starvation

How are the words undermine and sap related as synonyms of debilitate?

Both undermine and sap suggest a weakening by something working surreptitiously and insidiously.

a poor diet undermines your health
drugs had sapped his ability to think

When is it sensible to use weaken instead of debilitate?

While the synonyms weaken and debilitate are close in meaning, weaken may imply loss of physical strength, health, soundness, or stability or of quality, intensity, or effective power.

a disease that weakens the body's defenses

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of debilitate With a mind engaged in varied tasks, the time dedicated to art becomes sharper, less prone to the debilitating self-analysis that can derail artistic momentum. Kice Akkawi, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025 The condition occurs when someone is navigating stressful situations and debilitating emotions, like grief and heartbreak (which may seem rare for men to experience), but it can also be triggered by physical illness or surgery. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 12 June 2025 The goal is to contain it and to allow patients to live longer without debilitating symptoms. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2025 But this invasive mosquito species is quite efficient at transmitting a variety of debilitating diseases to humans, such as dengue, chikugunya, Zika virus, and malaria, just to name a few. Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for debilitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitate
Verb
  • Abandoning recognition can erode motivation, diminish engagement and make employees feel invisible, weakening the cultural fabric and undermining long-term resilience.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • But in an unexpected ruling in 2023, the Supreme Court declined an invitation to weaken Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
    June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Freezing is best when using your onions for cooked dishes like soups, stews, sautés, or stir-fries, as the texture will soften after thawing.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
  • Has the business with Grady softened their stance on him at all?
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Debilitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debilitate. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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