enervate
Definitions
To drain of energy, strength, or vitality; to weaken
使衰弱，耗尽（精力、力气、活力）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedLatin e- (out) + nervus (sinew, nerve) + -ate (to make) = 'to take the sinews out of.' Pull the tendons out and the body goes limp — so enervate means to sap someone's strength and energy. The nerv- spelling comes from Latin nervus, the cognate twin of Greek neuron.
Root neur still carries 7 more wordsWhy It Means This
Watch out for a classic trap: enervate looks like 'energize' but means the exact opposite — to drain, not to charge up. The clue is the literal image: cutting the sinews out of a body leaves it powerless. If you remember 'nerves pulled out → no strength,' you'll never reverse it.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The relentless heat enervated the whole team by noon.
- 2.
Months of overwork had completely enervated her.
- 3.
A diet of constant stress slowly enervates the body.
Easily Confused
enervate vs energize — They look like twins but are opposites. Enervate = drain of strength (e- 'out' + nervus 'sinew'). Energize = fill with energy. A heatwave enervates you; a cold shower energizes you. Never let the shared 'ener-' fool you.