incapacitate
UK: ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪteɪt | US: ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪteɪt
vt. to deprive of strength, ability, or function; render unfit or powerless
vt. (legal) to disqualify someone from performing a legal act or role
incapacitate = in<not> + capac<able> + itate<verb suffix>
- in: Prefix meaning "not" (from Latin in-).
- capac: Root derived from Latin capax ("able to hold, capable").
- itate: Verb-forming suffix (Latin -itare), indicating causation or action.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin incapacitare, combining in- (negation) + capax (capacity/ability). It entered English via legal and medical contexts, originally implying physical or legal disqualification. The morphemes logically progress from negation ("in-") to ability ("capac") and action ("-itate"), reflecting the act of disabling or rendering ineffective.
The injury incapacitated him for months, leaving him unable to work.
Severe weather may incapacitate critical infrastructure like power grids.
The court ruled to incapacitate the trustee due to misconduct.
Advanced AI could incapacitate traditional surveillance systems.
The virus aims to incapacitate the host’s immune response.