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 Her history of breast cancer disqualifies her from taking HRT, but she’s spent about $500 on items like cooling pajamas to relieve debilitating hot flashes. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 8 Oct. 2025 Given the debilitating nature of SMIs, patients tend to be poor, explains Sharfstein. Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025 But the Lazoens’ story underscores a harsh reality for many families who have children who suffer from a debilitating medical condition. Erika Edwards, NBC news, 4 Oct. 2025 And then there is the guilty past alluded to in those clippings, the memory of which frequently strikes her down with debilitating pain and nausea. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for debilitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitate
Verb
  • While the very high end of the market is strong, the aspirational luxury market has weakened due to economic pressures.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Far from expanding opportunity, this excessive wealth locks millions out of the chance to innovate and build, weakening growth for all.
    Scott Ellis, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some even licked the candy to soften it -- a trick used by contestants in the show.
    Hakyung Kate Lee, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • An emphatic 8-4 win has softened the blow a bit — especially with Zach Benson and his four assists back in the lineup — and the Sabres are missing key pieces on defense.
    Sean Gentille, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Debilitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debilitate. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on debilitate

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