imbecilitate, v.
(ɪmbɪˈsɪlɪteɪt)
[f. imbecility, after debilitate, facilitate, etc.: see -ate3 7. In 17th c. imbecill-: see note to imbecile a.]
trans. To render imbecile, weak, or feeble; to enfeeble.
| 1653 A. Wilson Jas. I, 58 The man being skilful in natural Magick, did use all the Artifice his subtilty could devise, really to imbecillitate the Earl. 1689 G. Harvey Curing Dis. by Expect. iv. 18 A Man or Woman..being never so little imbecillitated in their Lungs. 1809 Edin. Rev. XV. 96 The same cause..imbecilitates..the superintendance of their official superiors. 1821 Blackw. Mag. VIII. 364 A great effect in imbecilitating the understanding. |