Reading Theme:
Incapacitate: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：render unable to function (incapacitate)
incapacitate
/ˌɪn.kəˈpæs.ɪ.teɪt/
vt.
To make someone unable to act, move, or function normally, often because of illness, injury, or a shock.
render unable to function
➕
/ˈrɛn.dər ˈʌn.ə.bəl tə ˈfʌŋk.ʃən/
vt.
To deprive someone of physical or mental ability, making them incapable of normal action, often due to sickness, injury, or trauma.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin prefix 'in-' (not, without) + 'capacitas' (capacity, ability) + '-ate' (verb-forming suffix). Literally 'to deprive of capacity'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: IN (not) + CAPACITY (ability) + ATE (makes it happen). The word ATE your CAPACITY, leaving you INcapable.
📖 Example
A sudden and severe migraine can completely incapacitate him for the entire day, forcing him to stay in a dark room.
A sudden and severe migraine can render him completely unable to function for the entire day, forcing him to stay in a dark room.
🔗 Collocations
incapacitate temporarily – To disable someone or something for a limited time only.
severely incapacitate – To disable to a great or serious degree.
be incapacitated by – To be rendered unable to function due to a specific cause.
🔄 Synonyms
disable (vt.) – To deprive of capability or effectiveness, especially physically.
debilitate (vt.) – To make weak or feeble, often through illness.
immobilize (vt.) – To prevent from moving or operating normally.
🚫 Antonyms
enable (vt.) – To give someone the ability or means to do something.
empower (vt.) – To give authority or power to; to make stronger and more confident.
strengthen (vt.) – To make or become stronger.
🌱 Derivatives
incapacitated (adj.) – Deprived of strength or power; disabled.
incapacitation (n.) – The act of incapacitating or the state of being incapacitated.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from the Latin 'incapacitas' (in- 'not' + capacitas 'ability'), entering legal English in the 17th century to describe rendering someone legally unfit. Its use reflects the legal and medical precision in defining a person's functional or legal status.
Meaning 2：legally disqualify (incapacitate)
incapacitate
/ˌɪn.kəˈpæs.ɪ.teɪt/
vt.
To officially make someone unfit or ineligible for a position, duty, or activity, often by law or regulation.
legally disqualify
➕
/ˈliː.ɡə.li dɪsˈkwɒl.ɪ.faɪ/
vt.
To render someone officially unfit or ineligible for a specific role, duty, or activity, typically through legal or regulatory authority.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
A recent change in the law would incapacitate anyone with a serious conflict of interest from running for the committee.
A recent change in the law would legally disqualify anyone with a serious conflict of interest from running for the committee.
🔗 Collocations
legally incapacitate – To disqualify someone through formal legal proceedings or statutes.
incapacitate from office – To officially bar someone from holding a specific position.
declare incapacitated – To make an official ruling that someone is unfit for a duty.
🔄 Synonyms
disqualify (vt.) – To officially declare someone ineligible, often for a competition or position.
invalidate (vt.) – To remove the legal force or effectiveness from something, such as a candidacy.
bar (vt.) – To officially prevent someone from doing something or entering a place.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
incapacitated (adj.) – Legally declared unfit to manage one's own affairs or hold office.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser