Emaciate is a verb that means to make someone or something extremely thin and weak. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as ɪˈmeɪʃɪeɪt. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "i" sound as in "it," followed by the "m" sound. The second syllable includes the diphthong "eɪ" as in "day," the "sh" sound, and the "ɪ" sound as in "it." The final syllable includes the long "a" sound as in "late" and the "t" sound.
The term "emaciate" is defined as a transitive verb that typically denotes the process of causing someone, something, or oneself to become abnormally thin or weak. When applied to a person or an animal, emaciation refers to a severe reduction in body weight or muscle mass, usually resulting from malnutrition, illness, or prolonged starvation. It encompasses a visibly noticeable state of extreme thinness, where bones become prominent due to the lack of flesh. Medically, emaciation is often associated with conditions such as anorexia nervosa, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or severe metabolic disorders where a person's body loses essential nutrients required for proper functioning and sustenance.
Additionally, emaciate can also informally describe the act of extremely exhausting oneself physically or mentally, resulting in a state of extreme fatigue. It can indicate a depletion of energy and vitality caused by excessive strain or overexertion. For instance, an athlete who pushes their limits without proper rest or nutrition might experience feelings of extreme weakness and a physically emaciated state.
Overall, emaciate primarily refers to the process of extreme thinness and weakness brought about by malnutrition or severe depletion of energy. It encapsulates both a physical state of skeletal appearance and a psychological state of exhaustion and debilitation.
To become lean; to deprive of flesh; to lose flesh gradually; to pine or waste away.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "emaciate" derives from the Latin verb "emaciare", which is formed by combining the prefix "e-" (meaning "out") and the adjective "macer" (meaning "thin" or "gaunt"). "Macer" itself likely originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*mak-/mek-" meaning "thin" or "lean". Over time, this Latin word evolved into "emaciatus", which later gave rise to the English term "emaciate". The word has retained its original meaning of becoming extremely thin or wasting away.