DEBILITATE Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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

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 The most consistent link, Whelan said, is with Crohn’s disease — an often-debilitating inflammatory bowel disease that causes abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss. —

The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 Dustin revealed to his friend just how debilitating his grief has been. —

Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025 Cramped, about living with debilitating period pain, is funny, educational, and at times enraging. —

Benjamin Cannon, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025 Teenagers and adults, while less likely to die, can experience weeks of debilitating coughing that disrupts school, work, and daily life, says Nachman. —

Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for debilitate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitate

Verb

Evergreen branches bent under the weight of snow are already weakened; sweeping down the length of the branch toward the ground adds to the stress and increases the potential for breakage.

— Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
These policies impose devastating costs on American citizens, weakening our economy, increasing the national debt, straining public budgets and tearing families apart.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026