The word "fragilise" is spelled with an "s" instead of a "z" due to its origin in British English. Similar to words such as "realise" and "organise," the "s" is used instead of the "z" in this word. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as "ˈfrædʒaɪlaɪz" with emphasis on the first syllable. Its meaning is to make something fragile or delicate, usually through a process of weakening or compromising its strength.
Fragilise is a verb that refers to the act of making something fragile, weak or delicate. When something is fragilised, it becomes more susceptible to damage, breaking, or deterioration. The term comes from the root word "fragile," which means easily broken or delicate.
When an object or structure is fragilised, it often implies that its strength, stability, or resilience has been compromised. This can occur through various means, such as environmental factors, aging, or physical alterations. For example, heavy rainfall and erosion can fragilise the foundation of a building, thereby weakening its structural integrity.
Furthermore, fragilisation can also encompass the process of making certain materials or substances more brittle, delicate, or prone to damage. This can be achieved through intentional processes, such as exposing materials to extreme temperatures, chemical reactions, or applying stress to induce fracture.
In a broader context, fragilise can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or systems that are made vulnerable or delicate. For instance, political stability can be fragilised by internal conflicts or external threats, while an economic system may be fragilised by excessive debt or market volatility.
Overall, fragilise encapsulates the idea of weakening, damaging, or reducing the resilience of an object, material, structure, or system, making it more susceptible to harm or deterioration.