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A2 verb 9 Min. Lesezeit

debilitar

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Erklärung debilitar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe basic states. While 'debilitar' is a more advanced word, you can think of it as a cousin to the word 'fraco' (weak). In A1, you mostly say 'Eu estou fraco' (I am weak). However, learning 'debilitar' early helps you understand that some verbs in Portuguese look very similar to English. Just remember: if you are sick and you feel very, very weak, you can say the sickness is 'debilitating'. At this level, focus on the adjective form 'debilitado' to describe someone who looks sick. It is a good way to expand your vocabulary beyond the simple 'doente' (sick). You might see this word on signs in a hospital or in very simple health brochures. Even if you don't use it in your daily conversation yet, recognizing it will help you understand more complex sentences later on. Think of it as a 'power-up' word for when 'fraco' isn't enough.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use more specific verbs for common situations. 'Debilitar' is very useful when talking about health and the body, which are common A2 topics. You can use it to explain why you couldn't go to work: 'A gripe me debilitou muito' (The flu weakened me a lot). You are also learning regular '-ar' verb conjugations, and 'debilitar' follows the standard pattern perfectly. This makes it a great verb to practice your grammar. You might also start to see this word in news headlines about the economy or weather. For example, 'A seca debilita a colheita' (The drought weakens the harvest). At this level, you should try to replace 'deixar fraco' with 'debilitar' in formal writing or when talking to a doctor. It shows you are moving beyond the most basic level of Portuguese and are starting to use more precise vocabulary. Practice using it with direct objects like 'a saúde', 'o corpo', or 'o sistema'.

At the B1 level, you are moving into abstract topics and more complex sentence structures. 'Debilitar' becomes a key tool for discussing social issues, work-life balance, and personal development. You can use it to describe metaphorical weakening: 'O estresse no trabalho pode debilitar nossa motivação' (Stress at work can weaken our motivation). You should also be comfortable using the pronominal form 'debilitar-se' to describe a process happening to the subject. For instance, 'Sem exercícios, o corpo debilita-se com o tempo'. This level also requires you to understand the difference between 'debilitar' and synonyms like 'enfraquecer' or 'esgotar'. You will encounter 'debilitar' in more varied contexts, such as in documentaries or magazine articles. It is also a great word to use in the 'Pretérito Imperfeito' to describe a state that was happening: 'A doença debilitava o rei dia após dia'. Using this word correctly in your speaking exams will demonstrate a strong command of middle-level vocabulary.

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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'debilitar' with confidence in professional and academic settings. You should understand its nuances in political and economic discourse. For example, you might analyze how 'A falta de transparência debilita as instituições democráticas' (The lack of transparency weakens democratic institutions). You are likely reading more complex texts where 'debilitar' is used to describe the erosion of arguments, the decline of empires, or the impact of environmental changes. At this level, you should also be familiar with the noun 'debilitamento' or 'debiliatação' (the act of weakening). Your ability to use the word in the passive voice—'O sistema foi seriamente debilitado pelas novas regras'—is a sign of B2 proficiency. You should also be able to use the adjective 'debilitante' to describe conditions, such as 'uma doença debilitante' (a debilitating disease). This word adds a layer of precision to your arguments and descriptions that simpler words cannot provide.

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At the C1 level, 'debilitar' is part of your active, high-level vocabulary. You use it to provide subtle nuances in your expression. You might use it in literary analysis or complex business reports. For instance, you could discuss how a specific narrative technique 'debita a verossimilhança da história' (weakens the story's plausibility). You are aware of the word's etymological roots and its weight in different registers. You can effortlessly switch between 'debilitar', 'prostrar', 'alquebrar', and 'exaurir' depending on the exact tone you wish to strike. In C1, you also understand the cultural implications of the word—how it might be used in a political speech to criticize an opponent's policy without being overly aggressive but still being very firm. You are also proficient in using the word in complex grammatical structures, such as 'Se não tivessem ignorado os avisos, o sistema não se teria debilitado tanto'. Your usage of 'debilitar' is precise, contextually appropriate, and grammatically flawless.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'debilitar' and its entire semantic field. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as legal, medical, or philosophical texts, with the same ease as a native speaker with an advanced degree. You might use it to describe the 'debilitamento' of a philosophical argument or the 'caráter debilitante' of a specific social structure in a sociological essay. You appreciate the word's rhythm in a sentence and might use it for stylistic effect in creative writing. You are also fully aware of very rare synonyms and can explain the subtle differences between 'debilitar' and archaic terms if necessary. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for precise conceptual manipulation. You can use it in irony, sarcasm, or profound pathos. Whether you are writing a thesis, delivering a keynote speech, or engaging in a high-stakes negotiation, 'debilitar' is a word you use to define the boundaries of strength and vulnerability with absolute clarity.

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Debilitar is a formal Portuguese verb meaning 'to weaken' or 'to make infirm,' commonly used in medical, economic, and psychological contexts to describe a loss of strength.
It follows the regular '-ar' conjugation pattern and can be used transitively (to weaken something) or reflexively (to become weak).
The word is a cognate of the English 'debilitate' and carries a similar weight of seriousness, often implying structural or systemic decline rather than temporary tiredness.
Commonly encountered in news reports, medical diagnoses, and academic writing, it is a key term for expressing vulnerability and the erosion of power.

The Portuguese verb debilitar is a sophisticated yet essential term that describes the process of making something or someone weak, infirm, or less effective. While it shares a clear Latin root with the English word 'debilitate,' its usage in Portuguese is remarkably versatile, spanning across medical, physical, economic, and even psychological contexts. At its core, the word implies a gradual or sudden reduction in strength, vitality, or structural integrity. When you use this word, you are often describing a state that is more serious than just being 'tired' (cansado) or 'weak' (fraco); you are describing a process of erosion of power or health.

Physical Health: In a clinical or biological sense, it refers to the loss of bodily vigor. For instance, a long fever or a chronic condition can debilitate a patient. It is frequently used by doctors and health professionals to describe the impact of diseases on the body's systems.

A falta de sono pode debilitar seriamente a sua concentração durante o dia.

Translation: Lack of sleep can seriously weaken your concentration during the day.

Economic and Political Context: In news reports, you will often hear about how certain policies or global events might debilitate a country's economy. It suggests a weakening of the financial foundations, making the system vulnerable to external shocks.

Culturally, Portuguese speakers value precision in language, and using 'debilitar' instead of 'deixar fraco' shows a higher level of fluency. It is particularly common in formal writing, journalism, and academic discussions. For example, a historian might discuss how internal conflicts served to debilitate an empire, leading to its eventual downfall. In these cases, the word carries a weight of consequence; the weakening is not just an observation but a cause for further decline.

As sanções econômicas acabaram por debilitar a infraestrutura do país.

Psychological Impact: It can also describe the effect of trauma or stress on the human spirit. A toxic environment can debilitate someone's confidence or mental health, making them feel incapable of facing daily challenges.

O medo constante pode debilitar a coragem de qualquer guerreiro.

Após a maratona, o atleta sentia-se fisicamente debilitado.

In summary, 'debilitar' is a powerful verb used to communicate the erosion of strength across various domains. Whether you are talking about a virus attacking the body, a recession hitting a market, or a personal crisis affecting someone's resolve, this word provides the necessary gravity to describe the situation accurately. It is a cornerstone of advanced Portuguese vocabulary that allows for nuanced expression of vulnerability and decline.

Using debilitar correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a regular '-ar' verb. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object—the person or thing that is being weakened. However, it can also be used in pronominal forms or as an adjective. Understanding these patterns is key to sounding natural in Portuguese.

Active Voice (Subject + Verb + Object): This is the most common usage. The subject is the cause of the weakening. Example: 'A inflação debilita o poder de compra' (Inflation weakens purchasing power).

O excesso de trabalho pode debilitar a saúde mental dos funcionários.

Pronominal Form (Debilitar-se): When the subject becomes weak themselves, often due to internal or natural causes. Example: 'Com o passar dos anos, o organismo debilita-se' (With the passing years, the organism becomes weaker).

In formal documents or medical reports, you will see the word used to describe systemic failures. It is often paired with adverbs like 'gradualmente' (gradually), 'profundamente' (profoundly), or 'seriamente' (seriously). These combinations help specify the intensity of the weakening process.

A doença debilitou o paciente em poucos dias.

As an Adjective (Debilitado/a): The past participle functions as an adjective. It must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Example: 'Elas estão debilitadas' (They [fem.] are weakened).

Encontramos um animal debilitado na beira da estrada.

A falta de investimentos pode debilitar o setor de educação.

Finally, consider the figurative use. In a debate, a strong argument from one side can 'debilitar' the position of the opponent. This implies that the logic or evidence provided has made the other person's stance much harder to defend. It is a very effective word for describing the shifting dynamics of power and credibility in social and professional interactions.

While debilitar might not be the word you use every day to tell your friend you're tired, it is ubiquitous in specific environments. Knowing where you'll encounter it helps you prepare for more formal or technical conversations in Portuguese-speaking countries.

In the Media (News and Podcasts): Journalists love this word. You will hear it in segments about health crises, economic downturns, or political scandals. For example, 'A crise política debilita a imagem do governo no exterior' (The political crisis weakens the government's image abroad).

O apresentador explicou como a seca pode debilitar a produção agrícola.

Medical Settings (Hospitals and Clinics): If you are ever in a hospital in Brazil or Portugal, a doctor might use this word to describe the effect of a treatment or a condition. 'O tratamento é forte e pode debilitar o paciente temporariamente' (The treatment is strong and can temporarily weaken the patient).

O médico disse que a infecção debilitou as suas defesas naturais.

Literature and Formal Essays: In Portuguese literature, authors use 'debilitar' to describe the aging process or the loss of moral resolve. It adds a layer of seriousness and literary quality to the text.

No romance, a tristeza profunda começou a debilitar o espírito da protagonista.

Furthermore, in business meetings, specifically those dealing with risk management or strategy, 'debilitar' is used to identify vulnerabilities. A consultant might say, 'Essa estratégia pode debilitar nossa posição competitiva' (This strategy could weaken our competitive position). It is a precise word that signals a deep understanding of cause and effect in professional environments.

A falta de inovação pode debilitar a empresa a longo prazo.

Lastly, in sports commentary, especially during long tournaments like the World Cup, commentators discuss how the heat or the schedule might debilitate the players. It helps convey the physical toll of high-level competition.

While debilitar is a cognate of 'debilitate', there are several pitfalls that English speakers might encounter when using it in Portuguese. Precision is key to avoiding sounding awkward or being misunderstood.

Confusing with 'Enfraquecer': While they are synonyms, 'enfraquecer' is much more common in everyday, informal speech. If you say 'Essa caminhada me debilitou' after a 10-minute walk, it sounds overly dramatic. Use 'debilitar' for more serious or long-lasting weakness.

Errado: A bateria do meu celular está debilitada. (Too formal/strange for a phone)

Correct: A bateria do meu celular está fraca.

Misunderstanding the Intensity: English speakers sometimes use 'debilitating' for something that is just annoying. In Portuguese, 'debilitante' or 'debilitar' implies a real loss of function. Using it for a minor headache might be seen as hyperbole.

Another mistake is the incorrect use of the pronominal form. Learners often forget the reflexive pronoun 'se' when the subject is the one becoming weak. For example, 'Ele debilitou' sounds like he weakened something else. To say he became weak, you must say 'Ele debilitou-se' (or 'Ele se debilitou' in Brazil).

O idoso se debilitou rapidamente após a queda.

False Cognate Confusion: Some learners confuse 'debilitar' with 'deletar' (to delete) or 'debater' (to debate) due to the similar sounds of the first syllables. Always double-check the context—if it's about strength or health, it's likely 'debilitar'.

Cuidado para não debilitar os seus argumentos com mentiras.

Finally, ensure you are using the correct preposition if needed. While 'debilitar' is usually direct, if you are talking about what it was weakened by, use 'por' or 'com'. 'Ele foi debilitado pela febre' (He was weakened by the fever). Using 'de' here is less common and can sound slightly off.

To truly master Portuguese, you need to understand the family of words related to debilitar and know which one to choose based on the nuance you want to convey. Here is a comparison of common alternatives.

Debilitar vs. Enfraquecer: Enfraquecer is the general-purpose word for 'to weaken'. It can be used for anything from a weak signal to a weak person. Debilitar is more formal and implies a loss of health or structural integrity.

O sinal de Wi-Fi enfraquece na cozinha. (Correct)

Debilitar vs. Fragilizar: Fragilizar means 'to make fragile'. It is often used for emotional states or delicate situations. Debilitar is more about the loss of actual power or energy.

As críticas constantes podem fragilizar a autoestima da criança.

Debilitar vs. Esgotar: Esgotar means 'to exhaust' or 'to drain completely'. While 'debilitar' means to make weak, 'esgotar' means to leave nothing left. You might feel debilitated after a week of flu, but you feel 'esgotado' after a 12-hour workday.

A febre alta acabou por prostrar o paciente no leito.

Other useful related words include vulnerabilizar (to make vulnerable) and minar (to undermine). Use 'minar' when the weakening is happening secretly or slowly from within, like 'minar a autoridade de alguém' (to undermine someone's authority). Using these diverse verbs will make your Portuguese sound much more sophisticated and precise.

Summary Table: 1. Enfraquecer: General weakening. 2. Debilitar: Serious/Formal/Physical. 3. Fragilizar: Emotional/Delicate. 4. Esgotar: Total exhaustion. 5. Minar: Internal/Secret weakening.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The root 'de-' (away from) + 'habilis' (able) suggests that to be debilitated is literally to be 'made unable' or 'away from being able'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /de.bi.li.ˈtaɾ/

US /de.bi.li.ˈtaʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable: de-bi-li-TAR.

Reimt sich auf

cantar falar andar olhar pensar amar chegar estar

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it like 'debilitate' with an English rhythm.
Missing the 'i' and saying 'debalitar'.
Over-stressing the first syllable.
Pronouncing the 'd' too harshly.
Forgetting to tap or aspirate the final 'r'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires correct conjugation and understanding of formal vs informal usage.

Sprechen 5/5

The pronunciation of 'de-bi-li-tar' with the tapped 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Hören 3/5

Clear sounds, but can be missed in fast speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

fraco saúde corpo ficar sentir

Als Nächstes lernen

enfraquecer prostrar vulnerabilidade sistema resistência

Fortgeschritten

combalir alquebrar exaurir depauperar

Wichtige Grammatik

Regular -ar verbs

Eu debilito, você debilita (like cantar).

Reflexive Pronouns

Ele se debilitou (Brazil) vs. Ele debilitou-se (Portugal).

Adjective Agreement

As estruturas estão debilitadas (feminine plural).

Passive Voice with 'Ser'

O exército foi debilitado pela fome.

Subjunctive with 'Tomara que'

Tomara que a doença não debilite o vovô.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

A gripe pode debilitar o corpo.

The flu can weaken the body.

Regular -ar verb conjugation.

Ele está muito debilitado hoje.

He is very weakened today.

Debilitado is used here as an adjective.

A falta de água debilita as plantas.

The lack of water weakens the plants.

Third person singular present tense.

Não coma pouco, para não se debilitar.

Don't eat little, so you don't get weak.

Reflexive use (se debilitar).

O frio pode debilitar os animais.

The cold can weaken the animals.

Infinitive after 'pode'.

O sol forte debilita os viajantes.

The strong sun weakens the travelers.

Direct object: os viajantes.

Ela ficou debilitada depois da corrida.

She became weakened after the race.

Ficar + adjective.

Vitamina C ajuda a não debilitar a saúde.

Vitamin C helps not to weaken health.

Infinitive usage.

A febre alta debilitou a criança rapidamente.

The high fever weakened the child quickly.

Preterite tense.

O excesso de trabalho debilita o sistema imunológico.

Excessive work weakens the immune system.

Scientific/Health context.

Se você não dormir, vai debilitar sua mente.

If you don't sleep, you will weaken your mind.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

O paciente ainda está muito debilitado para sair.

The patient is still too weakened to leave.

Adverb 'muito' modifying the adjective.

As chuvas constantes debilitaram as estradas.

The constant rains weakened the roads.

Figurative use for structures.

Ele se debilitou porque não descansou o suficiente.

He became weak because he didn't rest enough.

Reflexive preterite.

A má alimentação debilita o crescimento dos jovens.

Poor nutrition weakens the growth of young people.

Abstract subject: A má alimentação.

Precisamos evitar que a crise debilite a empresa.

We need to prevent the crisis from weakening the company.

Subjunctive mood after 'evitar que'.

O estresse crônico pode debilitar a resistência física.

Chronic stress can weaken physical resistance.

Use of 'crônico' to add detail.

A falta de incentivo debilita a criatividade dos alunos.

The lack of incentive weakens the students' creativity.

Abstract usage in education.

A economia do país se debilitou após o conflito.

The country's economy weakened after the conflict.

Pronominal use for a system.

O veneno da cobra debilita a presa em segundos.

The snake's venom weakens the prey in seconds.

Biological process.

É uma doença debilitante que exige muito cuidado.

It is a debilitating disease that requires a lot of care.

Adjective 'debilitante'.

O isolamento social pode debilitar a saúde mental.

Social isolation can weaken mental health.

Modern psychological context.

As críticas injustas debilitaram a confiança da equipe.

Unfair criticism weakened the team's confidence.

Metaphorical use in business.

O atleta não queria se debilitar antes da final.

The athlete didn't want to become weak before the final.

Negative reflexive infinitive.

A corrupção debilita as bases da sociedade democrática.

Corruption weakens the foundations of democratic society.

Political/Formal register.

O uso excessivo de antibióticos pode debilitar a flora intestinal.

Excessive use of antibiotics can weaken the intestinal flora.

Medical terminology.

A inflação persistente debilita o poder de compra das famílias.

Persistent inflation weakens the purchasing power of families.

Economic terminology.

O escândalo debilitou seriamente a posição do ministro.

The scandal seriously weakened the minister's position.

Collocation: debilitar a posição.

Anos de negligência debilitaram a estrutura da ponte.

Years of negligence weakened the bridge's structure.

Structural/Engineering context.

A falta de sono profundo debilita os processos cognitivos.

Lack of deep sleep weakens cognitive processes.

Academic/Scientific tone.

O exército inimigo tentou debilitar nossas defesas.

The enemy army tried to weaken our defenses.

Military context.

O tratamento quimioterápico, embora necessário, debilita o organismo.

Chemotherapy treatment, although necessary, weakens the organism.

Complex sentence with 'embora'.

A retórica populista visa debilitar a confiança na ciência.

Populist rhetoric aims to weaken trust in science.

High-level political analysis.

A erosão do solo debilita a produtividade das terras agrícolas.

Soil erosion weakens the productivity of agricultural lands.

Environmental/Technical context.

O autor utiliza o silêncio para debilitar a tensão narrativa.

The author uses silence to weaken the narrative tension.

Literary criticism.

A ausência de provas concretas debilita a acusação do promotor.

The absence of concrete evidence weakens the prosecutor's accusation.

Legal context.

O envelhecimento celular debilita as funções vitais ao longo do tempo.

Cellular aging weakens vital functions over time.

Biological/Academic tone.

A constante troca de comando debilitou a coesão do partido.

The constant change of command weakened the party's cohesion.

Sociopolitical analysis.

O excesso de burocracia debilita o empreendedorismo no país.

Excessive bureaucracy weakens entrepreneurship in the country.

Economic/Social critique.

A melancolia profunda pode debilitar a vontade de agir.

Profound melancholy can weaken the will to act.

Philosophical/Psychological context.

A vacuidade do discurso acabou por debilitar sua autoridade intelectual.

The emptiness of the speech ended up weakening his intellectual authority.

Highly formal/Academic vocabulary.

O niilismo contemporâneo tende a debilitar os laços de solidariedade social.

Contemporary nihilism tends to weaken the bonds of social solidarity.

Philosophical discourse.

A fragmentação do conhecimento debilita a compreensão holística da realidade.

The fragmentation of knowledge weakens the holistic understanding of reality.

Epistemological context.

As incursões constantes debilitaram a soberania territorial da nação.

Constant incursions weakened the nation's territorial sovereignty.

Geopolitical terminology.

O desgaste emocional debilita a capacidade de discernimento ético.

Emotional wear and tear weakens the capacity for ethical discernment.

Ethical/Philosophical analysis.

A desregulamentação financeira pode debilitar a estabilidade sistêmica global.

Financial deregulation can weaken global systemic stability.

Macroeconomic theory.

A obsolescência programada debilita a sustentabilidade do modelo econômico.

Planned obsolescence weakens the sustainability of the economic model.

Industrial/Economic critique.

O relativismo moral absoluto pode debilitar o senso de justiça comum.

Absolute moral relativism can weaken the sense of common justice.

Legal-philosophical argument.

Häufige Kollokationen

debilitar a saúde

debilitar a economia

debilitar o sistema

debilitar a posição

debilitar a confiança

debilitar o poder

ficar debilitado

seriamente debilitado

gradualmente debilitar

debilitar a resistência

Häufige Phrasen

estado debilitado

— A state of being weak or infirm. Used often in medical reports.

O paciente encontra-se em estado debilitado.

saúde debilitada

— Fragile or poor health. A very common way to describe someone sickly.

Minha avó tem a saúde debilitada.

organismo debilitado

— A body that has lost its natural defenses. Used in health contexts.

Um organismo debilitado precisa de vitaminas.

sistema debilitado

— A system (immune, economic, social) that is failing. Broadly applicable.

O sistema de transporte está debilitado.

debilitar as forças

— To sap one's energy or power. Often used in stories or descriptions of struggle.

A longa jornada debilitou as suas forças.

debilitar o ânimo

— To discourage or dampen someone's spirits. Psychological use.

As derrotas não devem debilitar o seu ânimo.

ação debilitante

— An action that causes weakness. Formal and descriptive.

O remédio tem uma ação debilitante.

debilitar-se com o tempo

— To grow weak as time passes. Common for aging or wear.

As máquinas debilitam-se com o tempo.

debilitar a imagem

— To damage or weaken someone's reputation or public persona.

O escândalo debilitou a imagem da marca.

debilitar a estrutura

— To weaken the physical or conceptual framework of something.

O cupim debilita a estrutura da casa.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

debilitar vs deletar

Learners sometimes confuse them due to the first three letters 'del/deb'.

debilitar vs debater

Similar sound, but 'debater' means to debate, not to weaken.

debilitar vs debelar

Means to suppress or extinguish (like a fire or disease), often confused because of the 'debe-' prefix.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"cortar as pernas"

— Literally 'to cut the legs,' used when something suddenly weakens or stops someone's progress.

A notícia cortou-me as pernas e debilitou meus planos.

informal

"estar nas últimas"

— To be on one's last legs; extremely weakened or near the end.

O motor está nas últimas, totalmente debilitado.

informal

"perder o fôlego"

— To lose breath; to lose the momentum or strength to continue.

A reforma perdeu o fôlego e debilitou-se.

neutral

"ficar de rastos"

— To be crawling; to be extremely debilitated or exhausted (Portugal).

Depois do trabalho, fiquei de rastos.

informal

"estar por um fio"

— To be hanging by a thread; very close to collapsing due to weakness.

A saúde dele está por um fio, muito debilitada.

neutral

"quebrar as asas"

— To break the wings; to weaken someone's ambition or power.

O diretor quebrou as asas do funcionário, debilitando sua influência.

informal

"tirar o tapete"

— To pull the rug out; to weaken someone's position by surprise.

Tiraram-lhe o tapete e debilitaram sua autoridade.

informal

"perder o chão"

— To lose the floor; to be so weakened emotionally that one feels lost.

Ela perdeu o chão e sentiu-se debilitada emocionalmente.

neutral

"dar o braço a torcer"

— To give in; to weaken one's resolve and admit defeat.

Ele não deu o braço a torcer, apesar de estar debilitado no debate.

neutral

"ficar sem chão"

— Similar to 'perder o chão'; to be completely destabilized and weakened.

Fiquei sem chão quando vi o quanto a empresa estava debilitada.

neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

debilitar vs enfraquecer

Both mean to weaken.

Enfraquecer is general and informal; debilitar is serious and formal.

Enfraquecer o sinal vs. Debilitar a saúde.

debilitar vs esgotar

Both involve loss of energy.

Esgotar is total depletion; debilitar is making weak/infirm.

Esgotar a bateria vs. Debilitar o organismo.

debilitar vs fragilizar

Both suggest vulnerability.

Fragilizar is often emotional or symbolic; debilitar is physical or structural.

Fragilizar a relação vs. Debilitar a estrutura.

debilitar vs minar

Both involve weakening.

Minar is gradual and often hidden; debilitar can be sudden or obvious.

Minar a autoridade vs. Debilitar a economia.

debilitar vs prostrar

Both describe extreme weakness.

Prostrar is the result (being on the ground/bed); debilitar is the process or state.

A febre o prostrou vs. A febre o debilitou.

Satzmuster

A [doença] debilita o [corpo].

A gripe debilita o corpo.

Eu me sinto [advérbio] debilitado.

Eu me sinto muito debilitado.

O [problema] pode debilitar a [coisa abstrata].

O estresse pode debilitar a memória.

A [entidade] foi debilitada por [causa].

A empresa foi debilitada pela crise.

É uma condição [debilitante].

É uma condição debilitante.

Visando debilitar o [oponente]...

Visando debilitar o oponente, ele apresentou provas.

O debilitamento de [sistema] é evidente.

O debilitamento do sistema é evidente.

A [conceito] acaba por debilitar a [outro conceito].

A desinformação acaba por debilitar a democracia.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

debilitação

debilitamento

debilidade

Verben

debilitar

debilitar-se

Adjektive

debilitado

debilitante

débil

Verwandt

fragilidade

fraqueza

enfermidade

deficiência

vulnerabilidade

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in formal and written Portuguese; moderate in spoken Portuguese.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'debilitar' for a dead battery. → A bateria está fraca.
Debilitar is too formal and structural for a simple battery.
Ele debilitou muito rápido. → Ele se debilitou muito rápido.
When describing a person's state changing, use the reflexive 'se'.
A doença debelou o paciente. → A doença debilitou o paciente.
Debelar means to suppress/extinguish; debilitar means to weaken.
Eu estou debilitando. → Eu estou me debilitando.
Portuguese needs the reflexive pronoun for the continuous state of becoming weak.
A crise debilitou a economia do país. → A crise debilitou a economia do país. (Correct, but people often misspell it 'debalitou')
Pay attention to the 'i' in the second syllable.

Tipps

Upgrade your 'enfraquecer'

When writing a formal email or report, replace 'enfraquecer' with 'debilitar' to sound more professional.

Watch the reflexive

If someone is becoming weak, remember the 'se': 'Ele se debilitou'. Without 'se', it means he weakened something else.

Medical usage

If a doctor says you are 'debilitado', they mean you are in a fragile state of health and need rest.

The 'i' is key

Don't forget the 'i' after the 'b'. It's 'debilitar', not 'debelitar'.

Stress the end

The emphasis is on the last part: de-bi-li-TAR. Practice saying it out loud.

News keywords

When you hear 'economia' or 'saúde' on the news, listen for 'debilitar' right after.

Literature

In books, look for 'debilitado' to describe elderly characters or those suffering from heartbreak.

Adverb pairing

Pair it with 'fisicamente' or 'mentalmente' to be specific about the type of weakness.

Ability Loss

Remember: Debilitate = De-Ability-tate. It's about losing the ability to be strong.

Immune System

Learn 'debilitar o sistema imunológico' as a single block; it's very common.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'DEB-il' (like 'devil') taking away your 'ABILITY' (bi-li-ty). Debilitate = Deb-ability-take-away.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a strong battery icon slowly turning red and losing its bars until it's 'debilitated'.

Word Web

Saúde Fraqueza Doença Economia Sistema Corpo Cansaço Fragilidade

Herausforderung

Try to use 'debilitar' in a sentence about your favorite sport or a news story you recently heard.

Wortherkunft

From the Latin 'debilitare', which comes from 'debilis' (weak).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To render weak or to deprive of strength.

Romance (Latin root).

Kultureller Kontext

Be sensitive when using it to describe people; 'debilitado' can sound very clinical or pitying.

Direct cognate to 'debilitate', making it easy for English speakers to recognize but sometimes hard to remember to use in speech.

Used in medical journals like 'The Lancet' (translated versions). Common in political speeches by leaders like Lula or Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Appears in classic literature by Machado de Assis.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Medical

paciente debilitado
sistema imunológico
efeitos colaterais
recuperação

Economic

crise financeira
mercado debilitado
poder de compra
inflação

Psychological

estresse mental
debilitar o ânimo
autoestima
esgotamento

Physical/Sports

treino intenso
resistência física
lesão debilitante
fadiga

Structural

alicerces debilitados
estrutura da ponte
manutenção
risco de queda

Gesprächseinstiege

"Você acha que o estresse pode debilitar a criatividade no trabalho?"

"Como podemos evitar que a rotina debilite a nossa saúde mental?"

"Você já se sentiu muito debilitado depois de uma viagem longa?"

"Quais são os principais fatores que debilitam a economia de um país hoje?"

"Você conhece algum remédio natural para não deixar o corpo se debilitar?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descreva uma situação em que você se sentiu fisicamente debilitado e como foi o processo de recuperação.

Reflita sobre como o excesso de tecnologia pode debilitar as relações sociais e o contato humano.

Escreva sobre um sistema (escola, empresa, governo) que você considera debilitado e sugira formas de fortalecê-lo.

Como a falta de sono tem o poder de debilitar o seu desempenho nas tarefas diárias?

Pense em um argumento que você ouviu recentemente que foi debilitado por novos fatos ou evidências.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, that sounds very strange. For a battery, use 'fraca' or 'descarregada'. 'Debilitar' is for people, systems, or structures.

Yes, it is used in formal contexts, news, and medicine, but 'enfraquecer' is more common in daily conversation.

'Fraco' is general (a weak coffee, a weak person). 'Debilitado' implies a state of illness or a serious loss of health/integrity.

Yes, it follows the regular '-ar' conjugation pattern (like falar, cantar, and estudar).

No. Unlike 'debilitating' which is sometimes used for 'annoying' in English hyperbole, in Portuguese it always means making something weak.

You say 'doença debilitante'. It is a very common medical phrase.

Yes, the nouns are 'debilitação' or 'debilitamento', though 'debilidade' (weakness) is also related.

Yes, it's very sophisticated. 'Isso debilita o seu argumento' means 'That weakens your argument'.

Usually, yes, as it involves losing strength. However, in a military or competitive context, 'debilitar o inimigo' is a strategic goal.

The 'r' at the end is a soft tap (like the 'tt' in 'better'), and the vowels are more closed than in Brazil.

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