habilitate

verb

ha·​bil·​i·​tate hə-ˈbi-lə-ˌtāt How to pronounce habilitate (audio)
habilitated; habilitating

transitive verb

1
: to make fit or capable (as for functioning in society)
2

intransitive verb

: to qualify oneself
habilitation noun

Examples of habilitate in a Sentence

believes that society should be responsible for habilitating nonviolent offenders

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin habilitatus, past participle of habilitare, from Latin habilitas ability — more at ability

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of habilitate was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near habilitate

Cite this Entry

“Habilitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/habilitate. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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