Enfeeble
mediumNegative toneen-FEE-bul
verb
Definition
To make weak or feeble
Memory hook
EN-FEEBLE: to make FEEBLE — weaken someone until they can barely function.
Examples
“The long illness had enfeebled the once-vigorous athlete.”
“Bureaucracy enfeebled the organization's ability to respond quickly.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The long illness had ______ the once-vigorous athlete.”
Show answer
enfeebled
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Enfeeble is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "debilitate" or "weaken" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "strengthen".
Related GRE Words
devitalize
To deprive of strength, vitality, or energy
debilitate
To make weak or feeble; to impair the strength of
flag
(verb) To become tired or less enthusiastic; to decline in vigor
sap
(verb) To gradually weaken or destroy; to drain of energy
undermine
To weaken or damage something, especially gradually or insidiously
attenuate
To reduce the force, effect, or value of; to weaken
Master enfeeble and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.