The Grammar Doctor

energize, enervate

Energize and enervate have opposite meanings. To energize is to give energy to. To enervate is to take energy from.

A brisk five-mile hike really energized Folinsby and gave him the strength to carry on. Willoughby, on the other hand, would be so enervated by a walk around the block that he had to rest for an hour before he returned to work.


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