devitalize

[ dee-vahyt-l-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·vi·tal·ized, de·vi·tal·iz·ing.

1. to deprive of vitality or vital properties; make lifeless; weaken.

devitalize

/ diːˈvaɪtəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. tr to lower or destroy the vitality of; make weak or lifeless

   the war devitalized the economy

Derived Forms

• deˌvitaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• de·vital·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of devitalize¹

First recorded in 1840–50; de- + vitalize

Example Sentences

She was a tennis-playing nutritionist with a master's in biochemistry who was a critic of processed, "devitalized" foods and advocated for vitamin supplements.

From Salon

This can devitalize the plant to the point of it starting to die back.

From Seattle Times

For progressive celebrators, “the risk of stifling, enervating, or devitalizing human society is not even part of their calculation.”

From Washington Post

Fernandez-Palacios was "just a pale reflection of an interfering, intrusive, badly educated, spoiled, capricious, devitalized and servile policy" that was submissive to the United States, the letter stated.

From Reuters

Miller’s writing début may have been precipitated by her assault, but the final work devitalizes its horrific beginnings.

From The New Yorker