impotent
UK[ˈɪmpətənt]US[ˈɪpətənt]
adj
lacking power or ability; helpless or ineffective
adj
(of a man) unable to achieve an erection or orgasm
Morpheme Breakdown
im
potent
im
not
potent
powerful
Etymology
The word 'impotent' entered English in the late 14th century from Old French 'impotent', which itself derived from Latin 'impotentem', the accusative form of 'impotens'. This Latin source is a compound of the negative prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') and 'potens', the present participle of 'posse' (meaning 'to be able'). The core Latin verb 'posse' traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root poti- meaning 'powerful, lord'. Thus, the literal construction 'not powerful' has been retained through its journey into modern English, where it describes a state of powerlessness, ineffectiveness, or specific physical incapacity.
Analysis
Structure: im (not) + potent (powerful)
im- (Latin prefix, a form of 'in-' meaning 'not'); potent (from Latin 'potent-', meaning 'powerful', 'having power')
Examples
the government was impotent in the face of the economic crisis.
he felt impotent with rage as he watched the injustice unfold.
the medication can cause some men to become temporarily impotent.