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energize, enervate

Energize and enervate are antonyms (i.e. words with opposite meanings), not synonyms.

Enervate means to enfeeble or drain away strength. (It should not be confused with the French verb énerver, which means to bother or overexcite.)

  • To avoid enervating the participants, keep the sessions under ninety minutes.

Energize means to increase strength or energy.

  • Rock and roll energizes me.
  • What can you do to energize your staff?