emaciate
UK: ɪˈmeɪ.si.eɪt | US: ɪˈmeɪ.si.eɪt
vt. to cause to become abnormally thin or weak, especially due to starvation or illness
vi. to waste away physically
The word "emaciate" traces back to Latin "emaciare," combining "e-" (out) + "maciare" (to make lean). It originally described the process of wasting away, often due to starvation or disease. The root "macer" (thin) also appears in "meager," reinforcing the idea of leanness. Over time, "emaciate" evolved to specifically denote extreme physical thinning, often with a connotation of suffering.
Prolonged illness can emaciate even the strongest individuals.
The prisoners were emaciated after months of malnutrition.
The veterinarian warned that neglecting the dog would emaciate it.
Famine has emaciated entire communities in the region.
His once robust frame had become emaciated from years of hardship.