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potentiate

verb
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po·​ten·​ti·​ate | \ pə-ˈten(t)-shē-ˌāt How to pronounce potentiate (audio) \
potentiated; potentiating

Definition of potentiate

transitive verb

: to make effective or active or more effective or more active also : to augment the activity of (something, such as a drug) synergistically
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Other Words from potentiate

potentiation \ pə-​ˌten(t)-​shē-​ˈā-​shən How to pronounce potentiate (audio) \ noun
potentiator \ pə-​ˈten(t)-​shē-​ˌā-​tər How to pronounce potentiate (audio) \ noun

Examples of potentiate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When left untreated, mental illness can potentiate physical conditions like heart disease, resulting in even more expensive treatment needs. — Liat Jarkon, Fortune, "Why insurers should cover mental health care to lower costs," 6 Feb. 2020 Thus understood, Fascism is totalitarian, and the Fascist State — a synthesis and a unit inclusive of all values — interprets, develops, and potentiates the whole life of a people. — Joseph Loconte, National Review, "Mussolini and the End of Liberal Democracy," 25 June 2019 Head counters will quickly grasp that with the addition of Evan, the group constitutes two subsets of five members, representing the insidious number that potentiates the Hisji, whose curse is particularly diabolical and deadly. — Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Head Count': Film Review," 14 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'potentiate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of potentiate

1667, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for potentiate

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The first known use of potentiate was in 1667

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Cite this Entry

“Potentiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potentiate. Accessed 19 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for potentiate

potentiate

transitive verb
po·​ten·​ti·​ate | \ pə-ˈten-chē-ˌāt How to pronounce potentiate (audio) \
potentiated; potentiating

Medical Definition of potentiate

: to make effective or active or more effective or more active also : to augment the activity of (as a drug) synergistically

Other Words from potentiate

potentiation \ -​ˌten-​chē-​ˈā-​shən How to pronounce potentiate (audio) \ noun

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