enervate etymology

Etymology:

• Latin "enervatus," past participle of "enervāre"
• "en-" (intensive prefix) + "nervus" (nerve)

Meaning:

• To weaken or deplete of strength, energy, or vitality
• To render ineffective or powerless

Origin:

The word "enervate" comes from the Latin verb "enervāre," which has the primary meaning of "to remove the nerves or sinews from (a body part)." It is derived from the following components:

• "en-" (intensive prefix): This prefix intensifies the meaning of the root word.
• "nervus" (nerve): This word originally referred to the sinews or tendons in the body, which were believed to be the source of strength and vitality.

Over time, the meaning of "enervāre" evolved to include the more general sense of weakening or depleting. This usage began to appear in Latin literature around the 1st century BCE.

"Enervate" entered the English language in the 16th century, where it has retained its meaning as a synonym for "weaken" or "deplete." It is often used in contexts where the loss of strength or energy is seen as a negative or undesirable effect.

enervate relate terms

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