enfeeble

[ en-fee-buhl ]

verb (used with object)

, en·fee·bled, en·fee·bling.

1. to make feeble; weaken:

   That bout of pneumonia enfeebled him.

   Synonyms: debilitate, enervate

enfeeble

/ ɪnˈfiːbəl /

verb

1. tr to make weak; deprive of strength

Derived Forms

• enˈfeeblement, noun
• enˈfeebler, noun

Other Words From

• en·feeble·ment noun
• enfeebler noun
• unen·feebled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enfeeble¹

1300–50; Middle English enfeblen < Old French enfeblir. See en- ¹, feeble

Example Sentences

The abstention of a single sense from the coupling is enough to enfeeble the pleasure very greatly.

From Project Gutenberg

Mere antiquarianism, Dr Arnold justly observes, is calculated to contract and enfeeble the understanding.

From Project Gutenberg

It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration.

From Project Gutenberg

The haze of years may magnify all the nobler outlines, while it conceals all that would enfeeble their dignity.

From Project Gutenberg

Breeding in and in, to a certainty, would enfeeble their intellects as surely as their constitutions.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• exhaust
• fatigue
• sap
• weaken