devitalize
Sap the strength
To devitalize something is to drain it of life, energy, or effectiveness.
The word appears most often in medical and technical contexts—devitalized tissue has lost its blood supply or ability to function.
More broadly, anything that saps strength or vigor devitalizes: Years of budget cuts had devitalized the department.
The adjective devitalized describes whatever has been rendered weak or lifeless.
To make weak
- sapPlant circulatory fluid
- enfeebleMake feeble or frail
- undermineWeaken by stealth
- impairTo diminish or damage
diminish · deplete · drain · enervate · attenuate · dilute · erode · compromise
Weariness from prolonged exertion
- drainChannel for wastewater
- depleteGreatly reduce supply
- tireLose strength or energy
- burnoutChronic occupational depletion
weariness · lethargy · prostration · overwork · spent · sapped · flagging · languor
Not alive, never was
- inertInactive, physically or chemically
- torpidInactive and slow
- stagnantWithout movement or progress
- numbLacking physical sensation
dull · unresponsive · soulless · empty · deadened · flat · spiritless · listless
Wasting from disuse
- deteriorateGrow worse over time
- degenerateDecline morally or physically
- witherDry and decay
- wastingUsing poorly, inefficiently
decline · shrinkage · degrade · rot · decompose · entropy · decrepitude · senescence
debilitate
To make weak
impair · diminish · deplete · drain · enervate · attenuate · dilute · erode · compromise · cripple
fatigue
Weariness from prolonged exertion
burnout · weariness · lethargy · prostration · overwork · spent · sapped · flagging · languor · lassitude
inanimate
Not alive, never was
numb · dull · unresponsive · soulless · empty · deadened · flat · spiritless · listless · languid
atrophy
Wasting from disuse
- deteriorateGrow worse over time
- degenerateDecline morally or physically
- witherDry and decay
wasting · decline · shrinkage · degrade · rot · decompose · entropy · decrepitude · senescence · necrosis
devitalizevitalize
Make lively again
energize · invigorate · enliven · vivify · revitalize