To weaken or drain of energy, vitality, or strength. To cause someone to feel drained of energy or enthusiasm.
From Latin 'enervare,' meaning 'to remove the sinews,' from 'ex-' (out) + 'nervus' (sinew, nerve). Originally meant literally cutting the tendons to disable someone, later extended to any weakening process.
Don't be fooled by 'nerve' in the middle - enervate doesn't give you nerves, it takes them away! Think 'un-nerve-ate' - it's like someone reached in and unplugged your nerve supply, leaving you drained and powerless.
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