Definition of enervate
: lacking physical, mental, or moral vigor : enervated
From the M-W Editors
enervate was our Word of the Day on 07/03/2011. Hear the podcast!
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1603
First Known Use of enervate
1603
Definition of enervate
enervated
;enervating
transitive verb
1 : to reduce the mental or moral vigor of
2 : to lessen the vitality or strength of
Examples of enervate in a Sentence
a lifetime of working in dreary jobs had enervated his very soul
the surgery really enervated me for weeks afterwards
Did You Know?
Enervate is a word that some people use without really knowing what it means. They seem to believe that because "enervate" looks a little bit like "energize" and "invigorate" it must share their meaning - but it is actually their antonym. "Enervate" comes from the Latin word enervare, which was formed from the prefix e-, meaning "out of," and "-nervare" (from nervus, meaning "sinew or nerve"). So, etymologically at least, someone who is enervated is "out of nerve."
Origin and Etymology of enervate
Latin enervatus, past participle of enervare, from e- + nervus sinew — more at nerve
First Known Use: 1605
Synonym Discussion of enervate
ENERVATE Defined for English Language Learners
enervate
playDefinition of enervate for English Language Learners
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: to make (someone or something) very weak or tired
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about enervate
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for enervate Spanish Central: Translation of enervate Nglish: Translation of enervate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of enervate for Arabic speakers
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