Enervate

Meanings

1. To cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality
2. To weaken mentally or morally
3. To make feeble

Example Sentences

• "The oppressive summer heat in north India can enervate even the most energetic person."
• "Years of bureaucratic inertia had enervated the once-dynamic organization."
• "The long, drawn-out negotiation process enervated both parties."

Etymology

From Latin 'enervare' (to cut the sinews of, to weaken), from 'ex-' (out of) + 'nervus' (sinew, nerve). Note: despite starting with 'en-', it means to weaken, not to energize — a common mistake.

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