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enervate

English → EnglishformalliteraryInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "enervate": To enervate means to drain someone of their energy, vitality, or strength. Imagine a plant that has

What does "enervate" mean?

To enervate means to drain someone of their energy, vitality, or strength. Imagine a plant that has been kept in a dark room for too long, drooping and losing its color; that is the state of being enervated. It suggests a slow, steady loss of power rather than a sudden, violent blow. While it sounds similar to "energize," it is actually the opposite. It is often used in formal writing to describe circumstances—like oppressive heat, exhausting bureaucracy, or constant stress—that gradually weaken a person's resolve or physical stamina.

"enervate" in conversation

After a long meeting

I feel completely enervated after that four-hour budget review.

I feel completely enervated after that four-hour budget review.

I know, it felt like the air was being sucked out of the room.

I know, it felt like the air was being sucked out of the room.

Used here to describe mental exhaustion from a tedious task.

Discussing the summer heat

This humidity is really enervating, isn't it?

This humidity is really enervating, isn't it?

I haven't been able to leave the couch all afternoon.

I haven't been able to leave the couch all afternoon.

Describes the physical toll of extreme weather.

"enervate" in a sentence

  1. The heat of the desert began to enervate the travelers.

    The heat of the desert began to enervate the travelers.

  2. Years of constant criticism served only to enervate his once-ambitious spirit.

    Years of constant criticism served only to enervate his once-ambitious spirit.

  3. The enervating effects of the long, monotonous lecture left the students struggling to keep their eyes open.

    The enervating effects of the long, monotonous lecture left the students struggling to keep their eyes open.

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