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

Trump’s fiscal 2021 budget request would slash its funding by 76 percent, which would emaciate the agency’s mission to promote the growth of minority-owned businesses.

From Washington Post

Shall I emaciate ambergris inundating heroines?

From Seattle Times

That has led Pier 1 and its competitors to offer nearly permanent discounts, which emaciate earnings.

From Reuters

That has led Pier 1 and its competitors to offer nearly permanent discounts, which emaciate earnings.

From Reuters

The pains of the body do not fatten a man," I said, "and the sufferings of the mind emaciate him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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