Discapacitate

/dɪsˌkæpæsɪˈteɪt/ verb

Definition

To reduce or remove someone's capacity or ability to do something; to incapacitate.

Etymology

From 'dis-' plus 'capacitate' (to give capacity), which derives from Latin 'capacitas' (ability to hold). This formation parallels 'incapacitate' but uses the 'dis-' prefix instead.

Kelly Says

This is a 'ghost word'—it follows perfect English rules and means something perfectly clear, but it barely exists in actual usage because 'incapacitate' already fills that role, showing how language has duplicates that never both succeed.

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