DEBILITATE Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

debilitate

verb

di-ˈbi-lə-ˌtāt

Definition of debilitate next

as in to weaken

to diminish the physical strength of the heart surgery debilitated the college athlete beyond his worst fears

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of debilitate Kerr took a leave of absence to recover from debilitating complications following two back surgeries, then missed time again in 2017 with Mike Brown filling in as Kerr underwent a procedure to deal with a spinal fluid leak. —

Janie McCauley, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026 Some are less fortunate, living with debilitating injuries and emotional trauma, to say nothing of the siblings, parents, family and friends of the students who died. —

Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026 Veterinary staff determined the animal's condition would deteriorate over time, leading to debilitating pain and quality of life issues, the release stated. —

Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 8 May 2026 For audiences, the echo chamber that develops in the villas can seem debilitating to a possible reconciliation, but Walberg says that there are invariably a few authentic souls whose support is sincere rather than a tactic to get them into mischief. —

Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for debilitate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitate

Verb

The weakened 65-year-old cartel will remain with its five original members—Iran, Iraq, and Venezuela, as well as the Saudis and Kuwaitis—and six oil-producing African nations.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 19 May 2026
This can weaken and compromise your home’s structural integrity, which could lead to safety hazards and expensive repairs.

— Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026