emaciate

[ ih-mey-shee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, e·ma·ci·at·ed, e·ma·ci·at·ing.

1. to make abnormally lean or thin by a gradual wasting away of flesh.

emaciate

/ ɪˈmeɪsɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. usually tr to become or cause to become abnormally thin

Derived Forms

• eˌmaciˈation, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of emaciate¹

1640–50; < Latin ēmaciātus, wasted away, equivalent to ē- e- ¹ + maciātus, past participle of maciāre to produce leanness ( maci ( ēs ) leanness + -ātus -ate ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of emaciate¹

C17: from Latin ēmaciāre to make lean, from macer thin

Example Sentences

"She was really thin and emaciated, but she wasn't unhealthy - she was just hungry," he says.

From BBC

Alan Wilson, senior coroner for Blackpool and Fylde, said Debbie died from "the combined effects of her severely emaciated and neglected state, and debilitation caused by widespread Norwegian scabies mite infection".

From BBC

Maybe it’s because the emaciated Arthur isn’t in his strengthened Joker state that he can’t land the strongest vocal line, or because the actors were tasked with singing live on set.

From Los Angeles Times

"You see there many children skin and bone, emaciated."

From BBC

Inspectors eventually were allowed in, and found two dead puppies and a severely emaciated golden retriever among other suffering dogs, according to U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blow
• consume
• deplete
• dissipate
• divert
• drain
• exhaust
• lavish
• lose
• misuse
• squander
• undermine