1
as in to paralyze
to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move
the malfunctioning of a single component can incapacitate the engine
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to cripple
to cause severe or permanent injury to
the stroke left her completely incapacitated
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incapacitate
Everyone gathers to the porch to watch the bear lumber away to the next trash can while hibachi dad is left incapacitated in the foyer.
—
Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
In February 2025, a hiker became severely hypothermic near the summit of Vermont’s Mount Equinox during a winter storm, incapacitated with a dying phone battery.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
One of four passengers in Bain’s car, 22-year-old Destiny Betts, suffered incapacitating injuries and was transported to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial from the scene, according to the report.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
Cosby’s accuser was a waitress who said she was left incapacitated by pills and wine after attending one of the comic’s shows in Los Angeles.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incapacitate
Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
In February 2025, a hiker became severely hypothermic near the summit of Vermont’s Mount Equinox during a winter storm, incapacitated with a dying phone battery.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
One of four passengers in Bain’s car, 22-year-old Destiny Betts, suffered incapacitating injuries and was transported to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial from the scene, according to the report.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
Cosby’s accuser was a waitress who said she was left incapacitated by pills and wine after attending one of the comic’s shows in Los Angeles.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incapacitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incapacitate
Verb
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Dawood said she's gone through paralyzing panic attacks and intense therapy.—
Sara Moniuszko,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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According to some experts, this paralyzing fear and desperation are factors that scammers exploit to put their criminal schemes into action.—
Albinson Linares,
NBC news,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That has crippled Iran’s two biggest non-oil exports, and higher prices have affected everything from plastics to pipes, to fabrics and packaging for groceries like milk, butter and cheese.—
Amir-Hussein Radjy,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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That has crippled Iran’s two biggest non-oil exports, and higher prices have affected everything from plastics to pipes, to fabrics and packaging for groceries like milk, butter and cheese.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In a recent Equity survey, 71 % of actors from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds still reported that hair and makeup departments were unable to meet their needs, something that undermining wellbeing, authenticity and production values.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
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Governments had promoted cleaner fuels like LPG for health and conservation reasons, but rising costs are undermining those gains.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Police said the driver of the SUV was not injured and is cooperating with investigators.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
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Joshua Jahn, 29, killed a detainee, injured two others and fatally shot himself.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The LaMunyons’ location was maimed in January when a Ford F150 collided into the restaurant.—
Jenna Thompson
April 16,
Kansas City Star,
16 Apr. 2026
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About this many children have been killed or maimed in the war, according to UNICEF.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Separatist fighters on Saturday joined Islamic militants in launching one of the biggest coordinated attacks on the Malian army in the capital and several other cities, which left an unknown number of militants dead and at least 16 people wounded, including civilians, the government said.—
Wilson Mcmakin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
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At least 14 people were killed and at least 38 wounded, including five children, after a bomb tore apart a busy road in southwestern Colombia, according to local authorities.—
Annabella González,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But mental disorders account for the larger share of healthy life years lost, reflecting the chronic and disabling nature of many mental health conditions.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
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To qualify for the Alsip housing, residents were required to be chronically homeless and have a disabling condition, which Rounds said often prevents them from working or living independently.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The couple had tied the knot less than two months before she was killed, the outlet reported at the time.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
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Tim’s best friend in high school, Chris, was tragically killed in service.—
Charleen Richey,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incapacitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incapacitate. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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