incapacitate etymology

Etymology:

  • in- (Latin, "not") + capacitas (Latin, "capacity, roominess")

Meaning:

  • To render powerless or unable to function effectively
  • To disable or render incapable

Origin:

  • The word "incapacitate" emerged in the late 16th century. It is a combination of the Latin prefix "in-" (meaning "not") with the noun "capacitas" (meaning "capacity, roominess").
  • "Capacitas" comes from the verb "capere" (meaning "to take, hold, contain").

Historical Usage:

  • Initially, "incapacitate" was used to describe the physical inability to perform a specific task or function.
  • Over time, it also came to be applied to mental or cognitive impairments that prevented someone from fulfilling their duties or obligations.
  • In the 20th century, the term was frequently used in legal contexts to refer to individuals who were deemed legally incompetent.

Current Usage:

Today, the word "incapacitate" continues to be used in both physical and cognitive contexts. It can refer to:

  • Physical disabilities or impairments that prevent someone from moving, speaking, or performing other basic functions
  • Mental health conditions or injuries that affect someone's ability to think clearly, make decisions, or control their behavior
  • The temporary or permanent loss of consciousness or the ability to respond to stimuli

incapacitate relate terms

  • incapacity

    Etymology Latin in not or without capax roomy able to hold Origin 14t

  • incapacitation

    Etymology in negative prefix capacitate make capable Meaning The act or state

  • incapacitate

    Etymology in Latin not capacitas Latin capacity roominess Meaning To

  • estate

    Etymology of Estate The word estate derives from the Latin word status which refe

  • primate

    Etymology The word primate comes from the Latin word primas which means first M

  • senate

    Etymology The word senate originates from the Latin word senatus which means counc

  • moderate

    Etymology Middle French modéré from Latin moderatus past participle of moderari

  • separate

    Etymology is the study of the origin of words and their historical development Meaning

  • handicap

    Etymology The word handicap derives from the 16th century term hand in cap referrin

  • apoplectic

    Etymology apo Greek away from plectikos Greek striking causing a stroke M

  • apoplexy

    Etymology Origin Greek apoplexia from apo away plexia stroke First use in

  • alert

    Etymology The word alert comes from the Latin word alterāre which means to alter

  • alter

    Etymology The word alter comes from the Latin verb alterare which means to change

  • hold

    Etymology Old English healdan Proto West Germanic haldan Proto Germanic haldaną P

  • change

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words

  • modify

    1 Etymology a Definition The study of the history of words including their origins f

  • hock

    Etymology The word hock has several possible etymological origins Old English hoh

  • baleen

    Etymology The word baleen is derived from the Old French word baleine which comes f