devitalize

devitalize

verb

Definition of DEVITALIZE

1

to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality <overuse has devitalized many a once-striking figure of speech>

Synonyms castrate, damp, dampen, deaden, desiccate, devitalize, enervate, geld, lobotomize, petrify

Related Words burn out, debilitate, do in, drain, enfeeble, exhaust, fatigue, sap, tucker (out), undermine, weaken, wear, wear out; daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit

Near Antonyms arouse, rouse, stir; charge, electrify, galvanize; excite, ferment, fire, foment, incite, inflame (also enflame), instigate, kindle, provoke, spark, trigger, whip (up); abet, boost, buoy, cheer, embolden, fortify, hearten, inspire, lift; reactivate, reanimate, reawake, reawaken, recharge, reenergize, refresh, regenerate, rejuvenate, rekindle, renew, resurrect, resuscitate, revitalize, revive

Antonyms brace, energize, enliven, invigorate, quicken, stimulate, vitalize, vivify

2

to diminish the physical strength of <she was devitalized by the infection>

Synonyms debilitate, devitalize, enervate, enfeeble, etiolate, prostrate, sap, soften, tire, waste

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

Antonyms beef (up), fortify, strengthen