How to Say "to weaken" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to weaken” is “debilitar” — use 'debilitar' when referring to a reduction in physical or mental strength, or the weakening of something concrete like a structure or a body..
debilitar
/deh-bee-lee-tahr//deβiliˈtaɾ/
Examples
La falta de sueño puede debilitar tu sistema inmunológico.
Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system.
La fiebre alta debilitó al paciente durante la noche.
The high fever weakened the patient during the night.
No dejes que los comentarios negativos debiliten tu confianza.
Don't let negative comments undermine your confidence.
El ejercicio intenso puede debilitar tus músculos si no descansas.
Intense exercise can weaken your muscles if you don't rest.
Action vs. Result
Use 'debilitar' when you are the one making something weak. If you want to say 'to become weak,' you must add 'se' at the end: 'debilitarse'.
Regular Pattern
This verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar, so it has no spelling surprises in its forms.
Confusing Verb and Adjective
Mistake: “Él es debilitar.”
Correction: Él está débil (He is weak) or La enfermedad lo debilitó (The illness weakened him). 'Debilitar' is the action, 'débil' is the description.
desgastar
/des-gahs-TAR//dezɣasˈtaɾ/
Examples
Las continuas críticas desgastaron la reputación del político.
The continuous criticism wore down the politician's reputation.
Tantos problemas acabaron por desgastar nuestra relación.
So many problems ended up wearing down our relationship.
La oposición intenta desgastar al gobierno actual.
The opposition is trying to weaken the current government.
El estrés constante desgasta la salud mental.
Constant stress wears down mental health.
Metaphorical Erosion
Just like wind wears away stone, you can use 'desgastar' to describe abstract things like authority or love fading away due to friction.
Desgastar vs. Cansar
Mistake: “El trabajo me desgasta.”
Correction: El trabajo me cansa (if you are just tired) vs. El trabajo me está desgastando (if it is slowly destroying your spirit or health over months). Use 'desgastar' for long-term, structural exhaustion.
Strength vs. Influence
Related Translations
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