Pronunciation: ' e-n ə r- ˌ v ā t
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -vat · ed ; -vat · ing
Etymology: Latin enervatus, past participle of enervare, from e- + nervus sinew ― more at NERVE
Date: 1605
1 : to reduce the mental or moral vigor of
2 : to lessen the vitality or strength of
synonyms see UNNERVE
– en · er · vat · ing · ly \ - ˌ v ā -ti ŋ -l ē \ adverb
– en · er · va · tion \ ˌ e-n ə r- ' v ā -sh ə n \ noun