potentiate

verb

po·​ten·​ti·​ate pə-ˈten(t)-shē-ˌāt 

potentiated; potentiating

transitive verb

: to make effective or active or more effective or more active

also : to augment the activity of (something, such as a drug) synergistically

potentiation

pə-ˌten(t)-shē-ˈā-shən 

noun

potentiator

pə-ˈten(t)-shē-ˌā-tər 

noun

Examples of potentiate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The caapi vine is used only to potentiate the effects of the DMT. —Literary Hub, 16 July 2025

Rather than focusing on deportations efforts, the incoming administration should consider investing in this group through incubator programs, accelerators and potentiate this demographic in the interest of the average U.S. voter. —London School Of Economics, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Their Ultra Broad Spectrum™ CBD tinctures are made with a 10:1 ratio of CBD to other beneficial compounds like CBG, CBN, CBDV, and CBC, which work together with CBD to potentiate its effects and provide the full spectrum of health benefits from the hemp plant. —Chrono Therapeutics, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

As ideological commentary, in other words, the series ends up more hobbled than potentiated by its fictional aspects. —Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024

Cornejo said this would undoubtedly be a factor that would potentiate a possible defeat for Sinema at the polls. —Javier Arce, The Arizona Republic, 10 Feb. 2022

When left untreated, mental illness can potentiate physical conditions like heart disease, resulting in even more expensive treatment needs. —Liat Jarkon, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2020

Thus understood, Fascism is totalitarian, and the Fascist State — a synthesis and a unit inclusive of all values — interprets, develops, and potentiates the whole life of a people. —Joseph Loconte, National Review, 25 June 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for potentiate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Medical Definition

potentiate

transitive verb

po·​ten·​ti·​ate pə-ˈten-chē-ˌāt 

potentiated; potentiating

: to make effective or active or more effective or more active

also : to augment the activity of (as a drug) synergistically

potentiation

-ˌten-chē-ˈā-shən 

noun