as in to weaken
to diminish the physical strength of
the heart surgery debilitated the college athlete beyond his worst fears
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in deterioration
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body
the debilitation that all the prisoners of war had experienced during their captivity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weakness
the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor
attributed the patient's general debilitation to an iron deficiency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debilitate
Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
Proust’s insomnia, though debilitating, was made, in classic wound-and-bow terms, into the engine of his art.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
After that, unfortunately, came the rest of Wright’s career — and debilitating injuries that jammed the brake pedal on his scenic trek toward Cooperstown.
—Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
Most people are intimidated by the term networking, which can evoke feelings ranging from sheer terror to debilitating cringe.
—Cherie Kloss, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for debilitate 
Verb
Now that both areas have been debilitated, Sims hopes that the industry finds a new way forward.
—Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
Proust’s insomnia, though debilitating, was made, in classic wound-and-bow terms, into the engine of his art.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
After that, unfortunately, came the rest of Wright’s career — and debilitating injuries that jammed the brake pedal on his scenic trek toward Cooperstown.
—Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
Most people are intimidated by the term networking, which can evoke feelings ranging from sheer terror to debilitating cringe.
—Cherie Kloss, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for debilitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitate
Verb
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While, on paper, tariffs on Canadian energy could have a significant impact on fuel prices, a prolonged trade war could weaken global economies, reducing demand and partially offsetting the effects of tariffs.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
3 Feb. 2025
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As the company scales back on its ability to offer ultra-low prices, the appeal of its fast-fashion model may weaken, putting its market position at risk.—
Francisco Velasquez,
Quartz,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The deterioration of Drake and LeBron James’ friendship appears to be part of the fallout from the Drizzy and Kendrick Lamar feud.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
5 Feb. 2025
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The company is seeing signs of rapid deterioration of its capital structure, according to the letter sent to Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara by Dan Krause, State Farm’s president and chief executive officer.—
Pat Maio,
Orange County Register,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Sales in international markets rose 0.1%, saddled by weakness in Britain.—
Savyata Mishra,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
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But Butler’s debut signified the Warriors’ most hopeful moment in months, an introduction of a superstar who seems to blend well into their system, helps solve their biggest weaknesses and accentuates Curry, who has been dying for a co-star for a few seasons.—
Anthony Slater,
The Athletic,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The governor took pains to soften his liberal attack dog image, praising the president as a cooperative partner during crisis.—
Lia Russell,
Sacramento Bee,
8 Feb. 2025
-
Add 2 tablespoons oil (3 tablespoons if not using pancetta), onion, and carrots to drippings in Dutch oven; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.—
Julia Levy,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But what’s catching up to us now is exhaustion and low energy.—
Brian Davids,
The Hollywood Reporter,
7 Feb. 2025
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For Clark and thousands of other people in her shoes, the waves of exhaustion and optimism are likely to continue for a very long time.—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The shadow of death and debility haunted American women throughout the nineteenth century.—
Jenny Noyce,
JSTOR Daily,
28 June 2024
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According to this view, the outside world has been generous to Africa, providing substantial aid in recent decades, leaving no excuse for the continent’s debility.—
Howard W. French,
Foreign Affairs,
16 June 2015
Noun
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Not the kind with sandbags and fatigues, but the kind that come with late-night rewrites, diapers, and a creative industry that treats women over 40 like yesterday’s news.—
SPIN Contributor,
SPIN,
11 Feb. 2025
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It may be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or profound fatigue.—
Lori B Daniels,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near debilitate
Cite this Entry
“Debilitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debilitate. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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