devitalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/UncommonFormal/Academic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “devitalize” mean?
to remove vitality or life force from something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to remove vitality or life force from something; to make weak, feeble, or lifeless.
To deprive of strength, vigor, essential qualities, or significance; to render inert or ineffective.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. British English may occasionally use the spelling 'devitalise', though '-ize' is also standard in UK academic publishing. In US English, '-ize' is exclusively used.
Connotations
Same connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British medical or dental contexts (e.g., 'devitalized tooth' for a root canal treatment).
Grammar
How to Use “devitalize” in a Sentence
[Subject] devitalizes [Object] (transitive)[Object] is devitalized by [Agent] (passive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “devitalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Prolonged stress can devitalise even the most resilient person.
- The council's policies have devitalised the high street.
American English
- The herbicide devitalized the invasive plant roots.
- Monotonous work can devitalize an employee's creativity.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form in common use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form in common use]
adjective
British English
- The devitalised pulp was removed during the root canal.
- They assessed the devitalised area of the bone.
American English
- The surgeon debrided the devitalized skin.
- The x-ray showed devitalized tissue around the fracture.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The new bureaucratic procedures threaten to devitalize our innovative culture.'
Academic
'The study argues that excessive standardization can devitalize local educational initiatives.'
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation. Might be paraphrased as 'drain the life out of'.
Technical
'The surgeon must carefully remove the devitalized tissue to prevent infection.' (Medical) | 'The procedure will devitalize the pulp of the tooth.' (Dentistry)
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “devitalize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “devitalize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “devitalize”
- Misspelling as 'divitalize' or 'devitalise' (in US English).
- Confusing with 'demoralize' (to weaken morale).
- Using intransitively (e.g., 'He devitalized' – incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while common in medical/dental contexts (devitalized tissue/tooth), it is frequently used metaphorically in social, economic, and academic writing to describe the weakening of systems, ideas, or groups.
'Devitalize' refers to draining energy, strength, or life force. 'Demoralize' refers specifically to undermining confidence, hope, or morale. A team can be devitalized by exhaustion but demoralized by constant criticism.
Yes, the past participle 'devitalized' is commonly used as an adjective, especially in technical contexts (e.g., devitalized bone, devitalized cells).
It is quite uncommon in casual speech. It belongs to a formal or technical register. In everyday situations, speakers would more likely use phrases like 'drain the life out of', 'weaken', or 'sap the strength of'.
to remove vitality or life force from something.
Devitalize is usually formal/academic/technical in register.
Devitalize: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdiːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /diˈvaɪt̬əlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly featuring 'devitalize']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DE- (removal) + VITAL (life/energy) + -IZE (to make). It means 'to make something lose its vitality'.
Conceptual Metaphor
VITALITY IS A FLUID/ENERGY SOURCE (to devitalize is to drain this fluid/energy).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'devitalize' CORRECTLY?