devitalize

[ dee-vahyt-l-ahyz ]
See synonyms for devitalize on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object),de·vi·tal·ized, de·vi·tal·iz·ing.
  1. to deprive of vitality or vital properties; make lifeless; weaken.

Origin of devitalize

1
First recorded in 1840–50; de- + vitalize
  • Also especially British, de·vi·tal·ise .

Other words from devitalize

  • de·vi·tal·i·za·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use devitalize in a sentence

  • But Mr. Woodberry devitalizes Phillips, especially the later Phillips who went on from one issue to the next until he dropped.

    The Critical Game | John Albert Macy
  • It decomposes and devitalizes the electrovita fluid in the human system.

  • When work is finished she 'devitalizes'—I think that is the word—and becomes a rag.

British Dictionary definitions for devitalize

devitalize

devitalise

/ (diːˈvaɪtəˌlaɪz) /


verb
  1. (tr) to lower or destroy the vitality of; make weak or lifeless: the war devitalized the economy

Derived forms of devitalize

  • devitalization or devitalisation, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012