debilitar
“debilitar” means “to weaken” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to weaken
Also: to undermine, to sap
📝 In Action
La fiebre alta debilitó al paciente durante la noche.
B1The high fever weakened the patient during the night.
No dejes que los comentarios negativos debiliten tu confianza.
B2Don't let negative comments undermine your confidence.
El ejercicio intenso puede debilitar tus músculos si no descansas.
B1Intense exercise can weaken your muscles if you don't rest.
to diminish
Also: to dilute
📝 In Action
Las nubes debilitaron la luz del sol.
B2The clouds diminished the sunlight.
La falta de inversión está debilitando el sistema educativo.
B2The lack of investment is weakening the educational system.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: debilitar
Question 1 of 3
Which of these means 'I weakened'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'debilis', which means 'weak' or 'frail'. It shares a root with the English word 'debilitate'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'debilitar' used for people or things?
Both! You can use it to describe a person losing physical strength or a thing (like a wall, an economy, or a signal) losing its power.
What is the difference between 'debilitar' and 'debilitarse'?
'Debilitar' is when someone/something makes another thing weak. 'Debilitarse' is when someone/something becomes weak on its own.
Is this a formal word?
It is neutral. You can use it in a doctor's office, in a news report, or just talking to a friend about feeling tired.