Dictionary entry

Disable (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Dis‐a″ble (?; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Disabled (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Disabling (?).] 1. To render unable or incapable; to destroy the force, vigor, or power of action of; to deprive of competent physical or intellectual power; to incapacitate; to disqualify; to make incompetent or unfit for service; to impair.

A Christian's life is a perpetual exercise, a wrestling and warfare, for which sensual pleasure disables him. Jer. Taylor.

And had performed it, if my known offense

Had not disabled me. Milton.

I have disabled mine estate. Shak.

2. (Law) To deprive of legal right or qualification; to render legally incapable.

An attainder of the ancestor corrupts the blood, and disables his children to inherit. Blackstone.

3. To deprive of that which gives value or estimation; to declare lacking in competency; to disparage; to undervalue. “He disabled my judgment.” Shak.

Syn. — To weaken; unfit; disqualify; incapacitate.