Is enervate formal or informal?

It is formal. People usually use it in writing, not casual conversation.

Does enervate mean 'energize'?

No. It means the opposite: to make someone weaker or less energetic.

Can I use enervate in IELTS writing?

Yes, if you want a formal word for making someone weak or tired.

← Dictionary

enervate

/ˈɛn.ə.veɪt/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To make someone feel weak, tired, or less energetic. It is often used in formal writing.

The long heat enervated the runners.
She felt enervated after the overnight flight.
Stress can enervate even strong people.

Adinary Nuance

Enervate is close to weaken, debilitate, and fatigue, but it sounds more formal than everyday tire. Use enervate when you want a written, serious tone, especially in academic or descriptive contexts. It is not the best choice for casual speech.

In other languages

Vietnamese: làm kiệt sức
Spanish: debilitar
Chinese: 使衰弱
Japanese: 弱らせる
Korean: 쇠약하게 하다

Etymology

Enervate comes from Latin enervare, meaning “to weaken” or “to take out the sinews.” It entered English in the 16th century. The word has kept its meaning of making someone weak or less lively.

Common phrases

enervate the bodyenervate the sensesenervating heatan enervating effect

Synonyms

weaken debilitate exhaust fatigue

Related words

tiredness weakness drain energy

Frequently asked questions

Is enervate formal or informal?: It is formal. People usually use it in writing, not casual conversation.
Does enervate mean 'energize'?: No. It means the opposite: to make someone weaker or less energetic.
Can I use enervate in IELTS writing?: Yes, if you want a formal word for making someone weak or tired.