lethargize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely RareFormal/Literary/Technical
Quick answer
What does “lethargize” mean?
To make lethargic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make lethargic; to induce a state of sluggishness, drowsiness, or apathy.
To render someone or something inactive, dull, or unenergetic. Can refer to a physical, mental, or emotional state of induced torpor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; the word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Formal, often academic or medical. Can carry a slightly negative, clinical connotation of forced inactivity.
Frequency
Almost never encountered in speech or general writing. Most native speakers would find it unfamiliar.
Grammar
How to Use “lethargize” in a Sentence
[Agent] lethargizes [Patient] (transitive)[Patient] is lethargized by [Agent] (passive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lethargize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The aim of the propaganda was not to enrage but to lethargise the opposition.
- This climate seems to lethargise even the most vibrant individuals.
American English
- The tranquilizer dart is designed to quickly lethargize the animal.
- Administrative bureaucracy can often lethargize innovation within a company.
adverb
British English
- [No direct adverb form. 'Lethargically' derives from 'lethargic'.]
American English
- [No direct adverb form. 'Lethargically' derives from 'lethargic'.]
adjective
British English
- [The adjective form is 'lethargic'. 'Lethargized' is possible as a past participle adjective, e.g., 'the lethargized patient']
American English
- [The adjective form is 'lethargic'. 'Lethargized' is possible as a past participle adjective, e.g., 'a lethargized workforce']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Potential use in medical, pharmacological, or sociological texts discussing agents that induce torpor (e.g., 'The compound was found to lethargize the test subjects').
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Possible in medical or zoological contexts (e.g., describing a venom that lethargizes prey).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lethargize”
- Incorrectly using it intransitively (e.g., 'I lethargized' instead of 'It lethargized me').
- Misspelling as 'lethergize' or 'lethargise' (though 'lethargise' is a possible British spelling variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a real but extremely rare verb. It is listed in comprehensive dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary.
Both can mean to make calm or sleepy. 'Sedate' is common, often medical, and implies a calm, relaxed state. 'Lethargize' is very rare and emphasizes inducing sluggishness, dullness, or apathy, which can be more negative.
Theoretically, yes, but it is highly unnatural due to the word's extreme rarity. A native speaker would say 'I made myself lethargic' or 'I became lethargic'.
No. For learners of English, it is purely a recognition word. You should understand it if you encounter it in very formal or old texts, but use common synonyms like 'sedate', 'slow down', or 'make lethargic' in your own speech and writing.
To make lethargic.
Lethargize is usually formal/literary/technical in register.
Lethargize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɛθ.ə.dʒaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɛθ.ɚ.dʒaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is too rare.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LETHARGY (sluggishness) + the suffix -IZE (to make). 'Lethargize' means 'to MAKE sluggish'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LETHARGY IS A HEAVY WEIGHT / LETHARGY IS A DRUG (e.g., 'The medication lethargized him, as if weights were tied to his limbs').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'lethargize' CORRECTLY?