Debilitation

/dɪˌbɪləˈteɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process of becoming weakened or feeble; a state of physical or mental weakness.

Etymology

From Latin 'debilitātio,' formed from 'debilitāre' (to weaken) plus '-tion' suffix. This noun form became standard in medical and formal English to describe the condition of weakness.

Kelly Says

Medical professionals prefer 'debilitation' to 'weakness' because it implies a process—something happened to cause the weakness, which is crucial information for doctors trying to reverse it.

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