Word of the Day

: April 24, 2008

inanition

noun in-uh-NISH-un

What It Means

1 : the exhausted condition that results from lack of food and water

2 : the absence or loss of social, moral, or intellectual vitality or vigor

inanition in Context

The playwright explained that his work reflected the lethargy and inanition of the age.

Did You Know?

"Inanition" describes a state of suffering from either a literal emptiness (of sustenance) or a metaphorical emptiness (of interest or energy). So it will probably come as no surprise to you to learn that the word ultimately derives from the same idea in Latin. "Inanition," which first appeared in Middle English in the 14th century as "in-anisioun," can be traced back to the Latin verb "inanire," meaning "to make empty," which in turn comes from "inanis" (meaning "empty" or "inane"). Incidentally, the English word "inane" was adopted in the mid-17th century directly from "inanis."