Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Debilitating"

Episode Information

• Title: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
• Host/Author: Merriam-Webster
• Episode Word: Debilitating
• Release Date: June 11, 2025

Introduction to the Word: Debilitating

In the June 11, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day," host Peter Sokolowski delves into the adjective "debilitating." This word is selected to enrich listeners' vocabulary by providing a comprehensive understanding of its meaning, usage, and origins.

Definition and Usage

Peter begins by defining "debilitating" as an adjective used to describe something that "seriously impairs strength or the ability to function." He emphasizes its formal nature and versatility in both medical and general contexts.

Peter Sokolowski [00:42]: "Debilitating describes things that cause serious impairment of strength or ability to function."

To illustrate its application, Peter shares a sentence sourced from the Denver Post:

Quote from Denver Post by Georgia Nichols [00:42]: "Worry is such a debilitating thing that robs you of your energy."

He further explains that "debilitating" can pertain to various scenarios, such as:

• Medical Context: Someone might experience debilitating nausea during illness.
• Personal Challenges: An individual could suffer from debilitating stage fright before a performance.

Etymology and Historical Background

The podcast delves into the word's origins, tracing "debilitating" back to its Latin roots. Peter outlines the evolution of related forms:

• Verb: Debilitate – meaning "to impair the strength of," emerged in the early 16th century.
• Noun: Debility – signifying "weakness or infirmity," has been in use since the 15th century.
• Adjective: Debilitating – the form discussed in this episode, dates to the mid-17th century.

This progression makes "debilitating" the youngest of the related trio. The Latin word debilis, meaning "weak," serves as the foundation for these terms.

Peter Sokolowski [00:42]: "All come from the Latin word for weak, debilis."

Cross-Linguistic Influence

Peter highlights the influence of debilis beyond English, noting that many languages incorporate variations of this root. Polyglots might recognize counterparts in:

• Spanish
• Russian
• Czech
• Turkish
• Danish
• And many other languages

This widespread adoption underscores the word's fundamental connection to the concept of weakness.

Practical Examples and Contextual Applications

To ensure listeners can effectively use "debilitating" in their own discourse, Peter provides practical examples:

• Health: "Chronic migraines can be debilitating, severely limiting one's ability to work and socialize."
• Psychological: "The fear of public speaking was so debilitating that she avoided every opportunity to present her ideas."
• Environmental: "The hurricane had a debilitating effect on the coastal communities, leaving many without power and basic necessities."

These examples demonstrate the word's applicability across various situations, enhancing both spoken and written communication.

Conclusion

Peter Sokolowski wraps up the episode by reinforcing the significance of expanding one's vocabulary with precise and impactful words like "debilitating." He encourages listeners to incorporate such terms into their daily lives to convey nuanced meanings effectively.

For those interested in exploring more words, definitions, and linguistic insights, Peter directs listeners to visit Merriam-Webster's website.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Sokolowski [00:42]: "Debilitating describes things that cause serious impairment of strength or ability to function."
• Denver Post by Georgia Nichols [00:42]: "Worry is such a debilitating thing that robs you of your energy."
• Peter Sokolowski on Etymology [00:42]: "All come from the Latin word for weak, debilis."

Additional Resources:

For more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, listeners are encouraged to visit merriamwebster.com.