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 The Pain Gets Worse During my pregnancy in 2012, the pain intensified even more, accompanied by swelling and debilitating fatigue that no amount of rest could make go away. Eileen Davidson, Health, 15 May 2025 Any cuts to Medicaid will be highly disruptive to the lives of children, those with debilitating illness, and to the families of elderly people receiving long term care. Dr. James W. Cox-Chapman, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2025 One of those deaths occurred after a rare minke whale found offshore near Emeryville was euthanized due to debilitating health issues. Nadia Lopez, Axios, 1 May 2025 And working to recognize the difference between debilitating struggles (such as those that led to MJ Melendez being sent to Triple-A Omaha) and staying the course because of belief or encouraging signs — as with Massey (hitting .206). Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for debilitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitate
Verb
  • In Colorado, for example, several AI companies recently lobbied to delay and weaken the state’s landmark AI accountability legislation — a preview of what unchecked industry influence could look like under a regulatory freeze.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Their backing from the youngest voters weakened in 2024 (Catalist).
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • The alcohol-free formula is supremely gentle, made with sunflower seed oil to reinforce and soften the skin's barrier with every application, while the scent is strong enough to be refreshing but faint enough not to interfere with your perfume.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025
  • To soften the booziness, serve your drink over ice.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Debilitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debilitate. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on debilitate

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