Literary notes about enervate (AI summary)
In literature, "enervate" is often employed to depict the draining or weakening of physical, moral, or intellectual strength. Authors use it to illustrate how luxury, indulgence, or even adverse external forces can sap vitality or corrupt character, as seen when refined comforts are described as enervating rather than strengthening ([1],[2]). The term also serves as a caution against influences that debilitate not only the body but also the spirit, whether by corrupt doctrines or indulgent lifestyles ([3],[4]). Moreover, its usage can extend to critiques of societal decay and the erosion of personal resolve, underscoring a broader thematic concern with diminishing vigor and the loss of inherent strength ([5],[6]).
- Such luxury tends to enervate, not to strengthen."
— from The Home at Greylock by E. (Elizabeth) Prentiss - She was careful not to enervate him by luxury or weak indulgence.
— from De La Salle Fifth Reader by Christian Brothers - O my countrymen! Let not your enemies, with their desolating doctrines, degrade your souls, and enervate your virtues!
— from The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and J. Berg Esenwein - There are no revolutions which do not shake existing belief, enervate authority, and throw doubts over commonly received ideas.
— from Democracy in America — Volume 2 by Alexis de Tocqueville - His father revered the sterner virtues, and sacrificed to them whatever he apprehended might tend to enervate his son's character.
— from The Legendary and Poetical Remains of John Roby author of 'Traditions of Lancashire', with a sketch of his literary life and character by John Roby - 15 but he was a man whom no blandishments of luxury could enervate; no anxiety for power seduce from the worship of God.
— from William of Malmesbury's Chronicle of the Kings of EnglandFrom the earliest period to the reign of King Stephen by of Malmesbury William
