devitalize

de·vi·tal·ize   (dē-vīt'l-īz')    tr.v.   de·vi·tal·ized, de·vi·tal·iz·ing, de·vi·tal·iz·es To diminish or destroy the strength or vitality of. de·vit'al·i·za'tion (-ĭ-zā'shən) n.

Main Entry: de·vi·tal·ize
Variant: or British de·vi·tal·ise /(')dE-'vIt-^&l-"Iz/
Function:transitive verb
Inflected Forms: -ized or British -ised; -iz·ing or British -is·ing
: to deprive of life or vitality:as a : to refine (as foodstuffs) to the point that essential or desirable constituents are lost devitalizes our food and then restores a part ofwhat has been thrown away> b : to subject (a tooth or its pulp) to devitalization