Standard Lemma guide

devitalize

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To deprive of vitality; to make lifeless; to weaken.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, transitive

Qualifier: literal

Examples

  • Near-synonym: deanimate
  • Noncrushing surgical clamps avoid devitalizing the cells of arterial walls.
  • Economic stress has devitalized some shopping malls in the web era.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: deanimate

Antonyms: animate, reanimate, rejuvenate, revitalize, vitalize

2

verb

Meaning 2

sap of life or energy

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The recession devitalized the economy

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: devitalise

Antonyms: vitalize

Broader terms: weaken

Narrower terms: eviscerate

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *de Proto-Indo-European *-h1 Proto-Indo-European *déh1 Proto-Italic *dē Latin dē Latin dē-der. English de- English vitalize English devitalize From de- + vitalize.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: abtöten — 1. To deprive of vitality