as in to weaken
to diminish the physical strength of
the long, stressful days and sleepless nights gradually etiolated him
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Recent Examples of etiolate
Some etiolated form of what might be called Ledeenism lingered on before taking on new life at the outset of the Trump administration.
—
Jacob Heilbrunn, The New Republic, 23 Jan. 2020
Jacob Heilbrunn, The New Republic, 23 Jan. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for etiolate
Verb
-
Although weakened, the factions still survive, and could form a powerful, transnational and motivated insurgency when the time comes to fight whatever emerges if the Islamic Republic falls.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Several bills that had been filed in the state Senate and House of Representatives, which critics have warned would weaken reporting and training standards for the Department of Child and Family Services, have been put on hold, according to state officials.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Impersonal Surroundings Hard floors, bare walls, and furnishings that do nothing to soften the space can create a home office that feels anything but welcoming.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2026
-
What could have been a biting portrait of the glorification of female beauty is softened by a simple happy ending—in a world where no ending can possibly be simple, whether happy or not.—
Sarah Chihaya,
New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
John Cornyn wasted $70M spreading lies about me and still trails in all the polls.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Cast-iron pipes rot away after decades of exposure to waste and grease, and clay tiles become brittle and break over time.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Etiolate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/etiolate. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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