Devitalize
harddee-VY-tuh-lyz
verb
Definition
To deprive of strength, vitality, or energy
Examples
“Years of bureaucratic stagnation had devitalized the organization.”
“The harsh climate devitalized even the hardiest plants.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Devitalize is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "weaken" or "enervate" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "invigorate".
Related GRE Words
debilitate
To make weak or feeble; to impair the strength of
enervate
To cause someone to feel drained of energy; to weaken
enfeeble
To make weak or feeble
sap
(verb) To gradually weaken or destroy; to drain of energy
attenuate
To reduce the force, effect, or value of; to weaken
emaciate
To make abnormally thin or weak, especially through illness or starvation
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