DEBILITATIONS Synonyms: 133 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

debilitate 1 of 2

verb

di-ˈbi-lə-ˌtāt

Definition of debilitate next

as in to weaken

to diminish the physical strength of the heart surgery debilitated the college athlete beyond his worst fears

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

debilitation

2 of 2

noun

as in deterioration

a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body the debilitation that all the prisoners of war had experienced during their captivity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weakness

the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor attributed the patient's general debilitation to an iron deficiency

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Recent Examples of debilitate

Verb

The operation was intended to overturn the theocratic leadership of the country, debilitate Iran’s ballistic missile production and launch capabilities, and shut down the country’s ability to restart enrichment of fissile material that could be used to build a nuclear bomb. —

Brian Bennett, Time, 28 Feb. 2026 The man, who suffered debilitating burns to more than 70% of his body, managed to put down the blaze and drive to a hospital. —

Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026 Following the deaths earlier this month of James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane, both from debilitating long-term illnesses, fans flocked to social media to express their condolences. —

Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2026 For example, stopping certain sleep medications can reduce confusion and daytime drowsiness, and limiting or avoiding use of opioids for pain relief can prevent debilitating constipation. —

Jerry Gurwitz, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for debilitate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitate

Verb

Under this model, airlines, hotels, and other end-service providers may benefit, while intermediaries such as ticket booking platforms and price comparison websites may see their roles weakened.

— , CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
This weakens the plant and can cause dieback.

— Steve Bender, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026