incapacitated
UK[ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪteɪtɪd]US[ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪteɪtɪd]
adj
deprived of strength or power; debilitated or disabled.
adj
(law) disqualified from performing a legal function, such as entering into a contract.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
capac
itated
in
not
capac
to hold, contain
itated
made, rendered
Etymology
the word 'incapacitated' is built upon the latin foundation of capacity. the root 'capac-' derives from the latin verb 'capere,' meaning to take or hold, which evolved into 'capax' meaning able to hold much. the prefix 'in-' negates this, creating a sense of 'not having the ability to contain or hold.' the suffix '-itate' (from latin '-itatus') forms a verb meaning to render into a state, with '-ed' completing the past participle form. thus, the literal progression is from 'to hold' to 'having space/ability' to 'deprived of that ability,' culminating in the modern meaning of being rendered powerless or unfit.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + capac (to hold, contain) + itated (made, rendered)
in- (latin origin, a prefix meaning 'not' or 'without'), capac- (latin origin, from 'capere' meaning 'to take, hold, contain'), -itated (latin origin, a suffix forming past participles/adjectives meaning 'made to be' or 'rendered').
Examples
the severe flu left him completely incapacitated for over a week.
the court ruled the elderly man was mentally incapacitated and appointed a legal guardian.
the injury incapacitated several key players, weakening the team significantly.