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 Roberts is quite good as an energetic young woman determined not to let her control-freak mom (Sally Field) or a debilitating medical condition get the best of her. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025 Yet in the doc, her years of control over her image are peeled away to reveal a woman who, in her 50s, has been delivered from the debilitating need for public approval. Raven Smith, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for debilitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitate
Verb
  • Losing him for the entire World Series would weaken their already-thin bullpen, and force Roberts to get creative in high-leverage situations after his starting pitcher has been removed.
    Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • After accounting for lifestyle variables like exercise, the effects weakened a bit as, for example, more active people tend to spend more time outdoors.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The reading brought a sigh of relief, easing concerns that the economy was facing a double whammy of a softening labor market with reaccelerating inflation.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Weekly cattle and wholesale prices softened from daily highs set in late August but remained historically elevated.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Debilitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debilitate. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on debilitate

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