devitalize

verb

(ˌ)dē-ˈvī-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce devitalize (audio)
Definition of devitalizenext
1
as in to undermine
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality overuse has devitalized many a once-striking figure of speech

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to weaken
to diminish the physical strength of she was devitalized by the infection

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 devitalize This can devitalize the plant to the point of it starting to die back. — oregonlive, 5 Feb. 2023 Miller’s writing début may have been precipitated by her assault, but the final work devitalizes its horrific beginnings. — Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devitalize
  1. undermine
  2. weaken
  3. drain
  4. soften
  5. exhaust
  6. waste
  7. petrify
  8. enervate
Verb
  • Self-awareness bolsters leadership while self-surveillance nearly always undermines it.
    — Carol Geffner, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Moscow has been widely accused by Western officials of running a campaign of sabotage and disruption with the aim of undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of undermine
Verb
  • Fink said the churn weakens the tie between a worker and an employer.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Other potential causes are higher rates of chronic stress, depression and anxiety, as well as autoimmune diseases, which weaken the immune system, Curhan said.
    — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of weaken
Verb
  • Excessive Wet Plants that are receiving excessive moisture or are not draining properly can also exhibit signs of decline, the plant expert offers.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Use fast-draining potting mix so the roots are not exposed to soggy soil for long periods of time.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of drain
Verb
  • Growth in the world’s second-largest economy softened to its slowest in more than three years in the second quarter, as a multiyear property downturn continued to depress consumer demand and investment in real estate and infrastructure.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • In a microwave-safe medium bowl, microwave the cream cheese for 5 to 10 seconds, just until it’s softened.
    — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of soften
Verb
  • But seven months into the conflict, with no clear end in sight, the global oil market has now largely exhausted the safety measures that exist to keep a lid on petroleum prices.
    — Greg Pollock, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The gentle squeeze around your legs provides other surprising health benefits on exhausting travel days.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of exhaust
Verb
  • Shinn gave examples that will sound familiar to anyone who has wasted part of an afternoon on hold.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Spending heavily here is the most common way companies waste money on AI because there’s nothing underneath to make the spend productive.
    — Shweta Gummidipudi, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of waste
Verb
  • Here, a source of primordial terror—the gaze that petrifies—is deflected by way of the highly polished shield that Perseus wields against the creature.
    — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The first film follows a group of French high-school students who travel to Naples on a school trip to discover the ruins of Pompeii and the bodies petrified by Vesuvius.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 20 May 2026
Definition of petrify
Verb
  • Its students arrive morally outraged, a priori puritans, while its professors are enervated and dissatisfied.
    — Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The impact of that shocking final scene is sufficient to send viewers out feeling enervated after what’s been a pretty desultory final act.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2026
Definition of enervate

Browse Nearby Words

devising
devitalize
devitalized
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Cite this Entry

“Devitalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devitalize. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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