Causing weakness or a loss of strength and energy in someone's body or mind.
From Latin 'debilitare' (to weaken), combining 'de-' (removal) with 'habilis' (able). The suffix '-ative' indicates it causes or tends toward weakness. The meaning has remained consistent since the term emerged in medical and philosophical contexts.
This word reveals how Latin root combinations let us predict meaning—'de-' almost always means removal or reversal, so 'debilitative' literally means 'making away with ability.' It's why so many medical treatments are described this way, especially in older texts.
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