incapacitate

verb

incapacitated; incapacitating
Synonyms of incapacitatenext

transitive verb

1
: to deprive of capacity or natural power : disable
an injury that incapacitated her
learned how to incapacitate an attacker
2
: to make legally incapable or ineligible
Infancy does not incapacitate the infant from bringing the action …Henry v. City of New York, 724 N.E.2d 372 (1999)

Examples of incapacitate in a Sentence

The class teaches you how to incapacitate an attacker. The stroke left her completely incapacitated. He was incapacitated by the pain. a computer system incapacitated by software problems
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The video shows the Taser not incapacitating her and the woman walking quickly toward the officers while waving the knives in front of her. ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 First, the knife had to be able penetrate deep into its target, even through heavy winter clothing, to deliver a blow that would quickly incapacitate. David Szondy august 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 All that before disorienting and incapacitating a potential school shooter in about a minute. Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 This is somewhat reassuring since FEMA now appears to be incapacitated. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incapacitate

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of incapacitate was in 1657

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incapacitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incapacitate. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

incapacitate

verb
incapacitated; incapacitating
: to make incapable : disable

Legal Definition

incapacitate

transitive verb
incapacitated; incapacitating
1
: to make legally incapable or ineligible
mental illness alone will not incapacitate a person from making a valid contractLandmark Med. Ctr. v. Gauthier, 635 A.2d 1145 (1994)
2
: to deprive of capacity or natural power
an injury that incapacitates the employee
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