debilitar(se)
verbCEFR B2
What does “debilitar(se)” mean in English?
to weaken, to undermine
to weaken, to undermine (debilitar — reduce strength, authority, or cohesion gradually)
Example sentences
La crisis prolongada debilitó la cohesión social y erosionó la confianza de los ciudadanos en las instituciones.
The prolonged crisis weakened social cohesion and eroded citizens' trust in institutions.
Las sanciones económicas debilitaron progresivamente la capacidad del régimen para mantener el control.
The economic sanctions progressively weakened the regime's ability to maintain control.
Su salud se fue debilitando a lo largo del año hasta que fue necesaria una intervención quirúrgica.
His health gradually weakened over the course of the year until surgical intervention became necessary.
How to use it
Debilitar means 'to weaken' or 'to undermine'. It is transitive: debilitar las instituciones (weaken institutions), debilitar la posición negociadora (undermine the negotiating position). The reflexive debilitarse means to become weaker. At B2, the figurative use in political, economic, and social discourse is central. Near-synonyms: erosionar (erode — gradual weakening, often of authority or trust), minar (undermine — sabotage from below), mermar (diminish — reduce capacity or numbers).
Common mistake
Debilitar (weaken directly) vs. minar (undermine from below — implies sabotage) vs. erosionar (erode — gradual external wearing down). Use debilitar for straightforward weakening; minar when the process is secretive or subversive; erosionar when the damage is slow and external (like water eroding stone). All three are important at B2.