Synonyms of debilitate

debilitate

verb

di-ˈbi-lə-ˌtāt 

as in to weaken

to diminish the physical strength of

the heart surgery debilitated the college athlete beyond his worst fears

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weaken
• soften
• injure
• hurt
• waste
• paralyze
• exhaust
• enfeeble
• enervate
• cripple
• sap
• tire
• damage
• impair
• devitalize
• incapacitate
• deplete
• depress
• prostrate
• disable
• impoverish
• etiolate
• harm
• hamstring
• invalid
• grind (down)
• lay up
• unman
• wash out
• wear out
• wear down
• break down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• strengthen
• fortify
• energize
• recruit
• invigorate
• beef (up)
• rejuvenate
• harden
• season
• vitalize
• toughen

Synonym Chooser

How is the word debilitate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of debilitate are cripple, disable, enfeeble, sap, undermine, and weaken. While all these words mean "to lose or cause to lose strength or vigor," debilitate suggests a less marked or more temporary impairment of strength or vitality.

the debilitating effects of surgery

When is cripple a more appropriate choice than debilitate?

The words cripple and debilitate can be used in similar contexts, but cripple implies causing a serious loss of functioning power through damaging or removing an essential part or element.

crippled by arthritis

Where would disable be a reasonable alternative to debilitate?

While in some cases nearly identical to debilitate, disable suggests bringing about impairment or limitation in a physical or mental ability.

disabled by an injury sustained at work

When would enfeeble be a good substitute for debilitate?

Although the words enfeeble and debilitate have much in common, enfeeble implies a condition of marked weakness and helplessness.

enfeebled by starvation

How are the words undermine and sap related as synonyms of debilitate?

Both undermine and sap suggest a weakening by something working surreptitiously and insidiously.

a poor diet undermines your health

drugs had sapped his ability to think

When is it sensible to use weaken instead of debilitate?

While the synonyms weaken and debilitate are close in meaning, weaken may imply loss of physical strength, health, soundness, or stability or of quality, intensity, or effective power.

a disease that weakens the body's defenses

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of debilitate

The debilitating panic attacks and sleepless nights searching Campbell’s name online. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 12 May 2025

Gout is an inflammatory disorder in which the accumulation of uric acid crystals around a joint causes acute and often debilitating pain, mainly in the big toe. —Catherine Moyer, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025

She was discharged the same day, and experienced debilitating fatigue that persisted acutely for months, forcing her to cancel a tour. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025

Changing his diet to avoid emulsifiers has made a shocking difference, easing symptoms that were debilitating, Rands said. —David Hilzenrath, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025

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