Debilitating

/dɪˈbɪlɪteɪtɪŋ/ adjective

Definition

Making someone very weak or unable to function normally; draining physical or mental strength.

Etymology

From Latin 'debilitare' meaning 'to weaken,' from 'debilis' (weak). The suffix '-ing' makes it a present participle used as an adjective.

Kelly Says

Debilitating diseases like chronic fatigue syndrome can be more limiting than terminal illnesses because they trap people in years of suffering where they're too weak to do anything, yet most research funding goes to diseases that kill quickly.

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