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enervated
/ˈɛnəveɪtɪd/
deprived of energy or strength
The heat left the crowd enervated and listless.
The high temperature drained the energy and vitality from the people, making them feel weak and inactive.
formal
Deprived of vitality, vigor, or nerve strength; exhausted or weakened.
After the long illness, she felt enervated and unable to focus.
Following her sickness, she felt drained of energy and mentally foggy.
Often confused with 'nervous' due to the root 'nerv-', but it means the opposite of energized.
Collocations
feel enervatedto feel drained of energyenervated by heatweakened by high temperatures
Pro Tip
Avoid the 'Nervous' Trap
Do not use 'enervated' to describe anxiety. If you are worried, use 'nervous'. If you are tired and weak, use 'enervated'. Remember: 'enervated' = 'no energy'.
Gold Rule
Formal Register Only
Use 'enervated' in writing or formal speech. In casual conversation, 'tired' or 'drained' is more natural.
Word Origin
From Latin 'enervatus', past participle of 'enervare' meaning 'to deprive of strength or vigor', from 'e-' (out) + 'nervus' (sinew, nerve, strength).
Usage Notes
This is a classic 'false friend' for learners. Because it contains 'nerv', many assume it means 'nervous' or 'anxious'. It actually means 'weak' or 'tired'. It is a formal word, rarely used in casual conversation.
Word Breakdown
en-
out of, deprive of
prefixnerv
nerve, sinew, strength
root-ated
past participle suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary