debilitate
Meaning: To weaken or impair the strength, energy, or vitality of a person, organisation, or system, typically over a prolonged period.
Debilitate is more formal and clinical than 'weaken,' often appearing in medical contexts to describe chronic illness or in political analysis to describe institutional decline. The adjective 'debilitating' is extremely common — 'a debilitating illness,' 'a debilitating blow.' The word implies progressive deterioration rather than a sudden loss of capacity.
Examples
- The sanctions were designed to debilitate the regime without causing a humanitarian crisis. 制裁旨在削弱该政权,同时避免引发人道主义危机。Las sanciones estaban diseñadas para debilitar al régimen sin provocar una crisis humanitaria.その制裁は人道危機を引き起こすことなく政権を弱体化させることを目的としていた。그 제재는 인도주의적 위기를 초래하지 않으면서 정권을 약화시키도록 설계되었다.
- Years of chronic pain had debilitated him to the point where even simple tasks became exhausting. 多年的慢性疼痛使他衰弱到连简单的日常活动都令他精疲力竭。Años de dolor crónico le habían debilitado hasta el punto de que incluso las tareas sencillas resultaban agotadoras.長年の慢性的な痛みが彼を衰弱させ、簡単な作業さえも疲労困憊するほどだった。수년간의 만성 통증이 그를 쇠약하게 만들어 간단한 일조차 탈진할 정도가 되었다.
- The prolonged leadership contest has debilitated the party at a time when unity is essential. 持久的领导权争夺在团结至关重要的时刻削弱了该党的力量。La prolongada contienda por el liderazgo ha debilitado al partido en un momento en que la unidad es esencial.長引く党首選争いは、結束が不可欠な時期に党を弱体化させてしまった。장기화된 당수 경선은 결속이 절실한 시기에 당을 약체화시켜 버렸다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: medical, political, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin debilitare (to weaken), from debilis (weak, infirm). Entered English in the 16th century, initially in medical usage before broadening to figurative contexts.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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