Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Disable

1. To render unable or incapable; to destroy the force, vigor, or power of action of; to deprive of competent physical or intellectual power; to incapacitate; to disqualify; to make incompetent or unfit for service; to impair. A Christian's life is a perpetual exercise, a wrestling and warfare, for which sensual pleasure disables him. (Jer. Taylor) And had performed it, if my known offense Had not disabled me. (Milton) I have disabled mine estate. (Shak)

2. To deprive of legal right or qualification; to render legally incapable. An attainder of the ancestor corrupts the blood, and disables his children to inherit. (Blackstone)

3. To deprive of that which gives value or estimation; to declare lacking in competency; to disparage; to undervalue. He disabled my judgment.

Synonym: to weaken, unfit, disqualify, incapacitate.

Origin: Disabled; Disabling.