Difference between Weaken, Sap, Enervate and Enfeeble

 

Drain of Energy – weaken VS sap Vs enervate Vs enfeeble

 

Weaken is the most general word among these synonyms. It can refer to lessening of strength or power of anything.

Enervate and sap; both are used only for living beings.

Sap implies a gradual loss of strength.

Ex – Taking care of her entire family for years has sapped her strength.

Enervate focuses on loss of strength or weariness, as after an illness, due to working excessively etc.

Ex – He felt enervated after suffering from viral fever for a week.

Enfeeble also applies to people but it differs in indicating an extreme weakening.

Ex – The poor man was enfeebled by years of undernourishment.

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