Question

Choose the option which best expresses the meaning of the given word-
DEBILITATE
a. Weaken
b. Attack
c. Surmount
d. Destroy

Answer 1

Hint : The dictionary meaning of debilitate is to make (someone) very weak and infirm. For example : He was severely debilitated by a stomach upset.

Complete answer:
Debilitating is causing serious impairment strength or ability to function debilitating pain. It also sometimes mean, hinder, delay or weaken. For example : hard drugs destroy families and debilitate communities.
By examining the given options, we can say that-
Option ‘a’ is Weaken. It means “make or become weaker in power, resolve, or physical strength. For example : Fault lines had weakened and shattered the rocks. This has the closest meaning to the given word “debilitate”
Option ‘b’ is Attack. It means “make aggressive military action against (a place or enemy forces) with weapons or armed forces. For example : In February the Germans attacked Verdun. This is a completely different meaning, hence, is not the correct answer.
Option ‘c’ is Surmount. It means to overcome (a difficulty or obstacle). For example : All manner of culture differences were surmounted. This option is also incorrect.
Option ‘d’ is Destroy. It means to end the existence of (something) by damaging or attacking it. For example : The room had been destroyed by the house fire. This also has a completely different meaning from the given word.
As we have examined all the given options, we easily figure out the correct answer. Here, the word which has a similar meaning to the given word “debilitate” is “weaken”. Hence, option ‘a’ is the correct option.

Note : One must know the exact meaning of the given word in order to find out the word with the nearest meaning. A minor mistake in knowing the exact definition of the given word may lead you towards the wrong answer.