Part of Speech

verb

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈfiːbəl/

Definitions

• To make (someone or something) weak or feeble; to reduce in strength or vitality.
• To deprive of energy or power; to weaken physically or mentally.

Usage Examples

• The long illness had begun to enfeeble him, and he struggled to get out of bed.
• The harsh conditions of the battle enfeebled the soldiers, making it difficult to continue.
• The excessive heat and dehydration began to enfeeble the workers in the field.

Etymology

From Middle English "enfeblen," from Old French "enfebler," which means "to weaken," derived from "feeble" (from Latin "febilis" meaning "weak").

Synonyms

• weaken
• debilitate
• exhaust
• cripple
• enervate
• impair

Antonyms

• strengthen
• invigorate
• empower
• fortify
• rejuvenate
• revitalize

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "enfeeble" remains largely consistent in English across regions, though slight variations may exist in British and American English, with British speakers tending to emphasize the first syllable more strongly.

Historical Usage

The word "enfeeble" has been used since the late 15th century and was first employed to describe physical weakness. Over time, its use expanded to include both physical and mental weaknesses, often in a figurative sense to refer to someone losing vitality or strength due to illness or external conditions.

Cultural Nuances

In literature, "enfeeble" is often used to convey a loss of power, vigor, or confidence. It is frequently employed in descriptions of characters who are weakened by adverse circumstances, such as war, illness, or emotional distress. In some cultural contexts, the term is also associated with the idea of vulnerability and the human struggle against forces that seek to diminish one's strength.

More Information

The act of "enfeebling" can be physical or metaphorical. In modern discourse, it can refer to anything that weakens or diminishes strength—be it an individual, a society, or a system. The term is used in a wide range of fields, from medicine to politics, to describe the effects of prolonged stress, disease, or systematic oppression. Additionally, the concept of enfeeblement is central to many philosophical discussions about power dynamics and human frailty.