incapacitate
/ɪnˈkæpəsɪteɪt/verb★Intermediate— to make someone unable to function
formal
to make someone unable to function physically or mentally
The poison incapacitated the victim within minutes.
The poison quickly made the victim unable to move or think clearly.
The illness incapacitated her, forcing her to take a leave of absence.
The illness made her too weak to work, so she had to take time off.
💡
Often used in medical, military, or legal contexts.
Collocations
incapacitate someoneto make someone unable to functionincapacitate a systemto disable or render a system unusable
💡Pro Tip
Formal Usage
Use 'incapacitate' in formal writing or professional settings, such as medical or legal reports.
📖Word Origin
From Latin 'incapacitas' (inability) + '-ate' (verb suffix), meaning to make unable.
📝Usage Notes
Often used in formal contexts, such as medical reports, legal documents, or military descriptions. Avoid in casual conversation.
Word Breakdown
in-
not
prefix-capacitate
to make able
root-ate
verb suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary