habilitate

verb

ha·​bil·​i·​tate hə-ˈbi-lə-ˌtāt 

habilitated; habilitating

transitive verb

1

: to make fit or capable (as for functioning in society)

2

: clothe, dress

intransitive verb

: to qualify oneself

habilitation

hə-ˌbi-lə-ˈtā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• reclaim
• redeem
• reform
• regenerate
• rehabilitate

Examples of habilitate in a Sentence

believes that society should be responsible for habilitating nonviolent offenders

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin habilitatus, past participle of habilitare, from Latin habilitas ability — more at ability

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1