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

These shoots are useless, devitalize the vine, and hinder vineyard operations.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes the impression of this diathesis is so intense as to devitalize the foetus in utero, causing still-birth.

From Project Gutenberg

Its effect must have also been to devitalize the oxygen and nitrogen of the atmosphere.

From Project Gutenberg

His opinions, whatever they are, do not devitalize his fiction.

From Project Gutenberg

Now will to devitalize the entire hand from the wrist to the finger-tips.

From Project Gutenberg