enervate

Group 4Difficulty 3/3

Definition

(verb)
To cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality; to weaken
GRE

Example in Context

The protracted negotiations enervated even the most experienced diplomats, who emerged looking visibly exhausted after eighteen-hour sessions.

Synonyms

weakendrainexhaust

Etymology

To take away strength, leaving one feeling drained.

  • e- (Latin) — out of
  • nervare (Latin) — to strengthen

Memory Aid

Sounds like “energy-vate

When you try to ENERGY-VATE a battery, it ENERVATES and goes dead!

Visual Association

😩A person slumped over a desk, surrounded by empty coffee cups, looking utterly drained.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “enervate” mean on the GRE?

enervate (verb) means “To cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality; to weaken”. The protracted negotiations enervated even the most experienced diplomats, who emerged looking visibly exhausted after eighteen-hour sessions.

How to remember “enervate” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “enervate” sounds like “energy-vate”. When you try to ENERGY-VATE a battery, it ENERVATES and goes dead!

What are synonyms for “enervate”?

Common synonyms: weaken, drain, exhaust.