Enfeeble (/ɪnˈfiːbəl/) is a verb that means to weaken or make feeble. The word is derived from the Old French word enfeblir, which means "to cause weakness". The spelling of enfeeble follows the regular English rules of pronunciation. The "en" prefix is pronounced as "in" (/ɪn/) and the double "e" in "enfeeble" makes the long "e" sound (/i:/) followed by a short "e" (/ɛ/) sound in the second syllable. The final "le" is pronounced as "bəl" (/bəl/).
Enfeeble, a verb, refers to the act of weakening, debilitating, or making someone or something less strong, healthy, or effective. It is derived from the French word "enfeblir," which means to grow weak. Enfeebling can be gradual or sudden, and it may affect physical strength, mental capacity, or overall vitality.
In a physical context, enfeeble refers to impairing the strength or energy of a person's body or a particular body part. This could result from illness, injury, or aging. Similarly, it can apply to an object that has become weakened or deteriorated over time, causing it to lose previous functionality or endurance.
In a metaphorical sense, enfeeble encompasses the weakening of one's mental or emotional state. For instance, prolonged stress, trauma, or anxiety can enfeeble an individual's cognitive abilities, decision-making processes, or emotional well-being. It can also imply diminishing the power, effectiveness, or impact of an idea, argument, or authority, rendering it less influential or persuasive.
Furthermore, enfeeble can describe actions or policies that undermine or reduce the power, influence, or integrity of an organization, society, or government. It suggests a weakening that poses potential risks or threats to stability, growth, or functionality.
Overall, the term enfeeble conveys the concept of diminishing strength, vitality, or effectiveness in various contexts, whether physical, mental, emotional, or abstract, thereby highlighting the loss or reduction of power, health, or capability.
To weaken; to reduce the strength of.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "enfeeble" originated from the combination of two Old French words: "en" and "feblir".
The prefix "en" in Old French means "to cause a change of state" or "to put into", while "feblir" means "to make weak". Eventually, these two words fused together, forming the term "enfeblir", which meant "to weaken" or "to make feeble".
Through the process of natural evolution, "enfeblir" transformed into "enfeeble" in Middle English and has retained its meaning ever since.