mindmap root((虚弱)) weaken may imply the loss of physical strength, health, soundness, or stability or of quality, intensity, or effective power: a disease that ~s the body's defenses against infection. enfeeble implies an obvious and pitiable weakening to the point of helplessness: so ~d by arthritis that he requires constant care. debilitate suggests a less marked or more temporary impairment of strength or vitality: the operation has a temporary ~ing effect. undermine suggests a weakening by something working surreptitiously or insidiously and implies a caving in or breaking down: a poor diet ~s your health. sap is close to undermine but adds a suggestion of a draining of strength: drugs had ~ped his ability to think. cripple implies the causing of a serious loss of functioning power through damaging or removing an essential part or element: inflation had ~d the economy. disable suggests a usually sudden crippling or enfeebling of strength or competence: ~d soldiers received an immediate discharge.