Dictionary
1enervate
adjective ener·vate \i-ˈnər-vət\
Definition of ENERVATE
: lacking physical, mental, or moral vigor : enervated
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First Known Use of ENERVATE
1603
2enervate
verb en·er·vate \ˈe-nər-ˌvāt\
: to make (someone or something) very weak or tired
en·er·vat·eden·er·vat·ing
Full Definition of ENERVATE
transitive verb
1
: to reduce the mental or moral vigor of
2
: to lessen the vitality or strength of
— en·er·vat·ing·ly \-ˌvā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
— en·er·va·tion \ˌe-nər-ˈvā-shən\ noun
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Origin of ENERVATE
Latin enervatus, past participle of enervare, from e- + nervus sinew — more at nerve
First Known Use: 1605
Related to ENERVATE
Synonym Discussion of ENERVATE
unnerve, enervate, unman, emasculate mean to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action. unnerve implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act <unnerved by the near collision>. enervate suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort <a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure>. unman implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit <a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle>. emasculate stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential <an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards>.
Rhymes with ENERVATE
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Medical Dictionary
enervate
transitive verb en·er·vate \ˈen-ər-ˌvāt\
en·er·vat·eden·er·vat·ing
Medical Definition of ENERVATE
1
obsolete : to cut the nerves or tendons of
2
: to lessen the vitality or strength of <heat enervates people>
—en·er·va·tion \ˌen-ər-ˈvā-shən\ noun
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