enervate Meaning, Definition & Usage

E*ner"vate transitive verb

Etymology

L. enervatus, p. p. of enervare, fr. enervis nerveless, weak; e out + nervus nerve. See Nerve.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Enervated ; present participle & verbal noun Enervating

Definitions

1. To deprive of nerve, force, strength, or courage; to render feeble or impotent; to make effeminate; to impair the moral powers of.

   A man . . . enervated by licentiousness. Macaulay.

   And rhyme began t' enervate poetry. Dryden.

   Syn. -- To weaken; enfeeble; unnerve; debilitate.

E*ner"vate adjective

Etymology

L. enervatus, p. p.

Definitions

1. Weakened; weak; without strength of force. Pope.