incapacitate

[ in-kuh-pas-i-teyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·ca·pac·i·tat·ed, in·ca·pac·i·tat·ing.

1. to deprive of ability, qualification, or strength; make incapable or unfit; disable.

   Synonyms: weaken, impair, sideline, handicap

2. Law. to deprive of the legal power to act in a specified way or ways.

incapacitate

/ ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. to deprive of power, strength, or capacity; disable
2. to deprive of legal capacity or eligibility

Derived Forms

• ˌincaˌpaciˈtation, noun

Other Words From

• in·ca·pac·i·ta·tion [in-k, uh, -pas-i-, tey, -sh, uh, n] noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of incapacitate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; incapacit(y) + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Tooth decay can produce “incapacitating pain,” bacterial infection that may spread throughout the body, and, of course, to the loss of a tooth.

From Los Angeles Times

Having a “durable” power of attorney stays in effect if you’re incapacitated up until your death.

From Salon

One controller talks of an incapacitated pilot and a “passenger in the cockpit trying to figure out how to fly,” requesting that others monitor the situation.

From Los Angeles Times

Should you become incapacitated, the successor trustee of your living trust could access trust assets to pay for your care.

From Los Angeles Times

The explosions killed 37 people — including two children — created widespread fear and incapacitated thousands of Hezbollah’s rank-and-file members, officials and administrators.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cripple
• disable
• immobilize
• maim
• paralyze