The word "incapacitate" is spelled with the letter combination "capac" which sounds like "kəˈpæs". The "i" at the beginning adds the "in-" prefix, meaning "not", resulting in the meaning "not capable". The word is commonly pronounced as "in-kuh-pas-i-teyt" with the IPA phonetic transcription of /ˌɪn.kəˈpæs.ɪ.teɪt/. It means to disable or render someone or something unable to do something. This word is often used in the medical or legal fields to describe an individual who is impaired or unable to function normally.
The term "incapacitate" is a verb that refers to rendering someone or something unable or incapable of functioning properly or effectively. It entails the act of causing a state of physical or mental disability, weakness, or inability, typically as a result of injury, illness, or some other form of impairment. Incapacitation often denotes the impairment or deprivation of an individual's abilities, skills, or faculties, hindering their capability to perform certain actions or tasks.
In a physical sense, incapacitating someone might involve inflicting a wound, impairment, or condition that prevents them from engaging in normal movement, physical activities, or undertaking routine tasks. This can be accomplished through various means such as injuries, diseases, or even temporary paralysis caused by external factors like drugs or medications.
In a broader context, the term can also encompass mental or cognitive incapacitation, meaning the state of being unable to think clearly, make decisions, or function mentally due to factors like injury, disease, or intoxication. This can result in a lack of awareness, concentration, or coherence, which restricts a person's ability to perform their usual mental or intellectual activities.
The concept of incapacitation can extend beyond individuals and apply to objects or systems as well. For instance, incapacitating a machine or mechanism means rendering it inoperative, disabled, or non-functional, either through damage or deliberate intervention, thus preventing it from fulfilling its intended purpose or functioning properly.
Overall, the term "incapacitate" denotes the act or process of causing impairment, disability, or dysfunction, be it physical or mental, in order to hinder or prevent typical functionality or performance.
To render incapable, unable or unfit; to disqualify.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word incapacitate is derived from the Latin prefix in- meaning not or without, and the Latin word capax meaning able to contain or capable. The combination of these elements gives incapacitate its meaning of rendering someone or something unable or unfit to perform a specific action or function.