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Synonyms for impotent

Grammar : Adj
Spell : im-puh-tuhnt
Phonetic Transcription : ˈɪm pə tənt

Top 10 synonyms for impotent
Other synonyms for the word impotent

Définition of impotent

Origin :
  • late 14c., "physically weak, enfeebled, crippled," from Old French impotent "powerless, weak, incapable," from Latin imponentem (nominative impotens) "lacking control, powerless," from assimilated form of in- "not, opposite of" (see in- (1)) + ponentem (nominative potens) "potent" (see potent).
  • Meaning "having no power to accomplish anything" is from mid-15c.; that of "completely lacking in sexual power" (of males) is from mid-15c. Middle English also had a native term for this: Cunt-beaten (mid-15c.). The figurative sense in Latin was "without self-control, headstrong, violent." Related: Impotently.
  • adj disabled; unable to perform action
Example sentences :
  • He might have served Cibber or Gibbons as a model for a statue of impotent rage.
  • Extract from : « Micah Clarke » by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Then, in a moment, his weakness was further displayed in an impotent obstinacy.
  • Extract from : « The Law-Breakers » by Ridgwell Cullum
  • The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool.
  • Extract from : « The Ministry of Intercession » by Andrew Murray
  • When He spoke to the impotent man His word of command had to be obeyed.
  • Extract from : « The Ministry of Intercession » by Andrew Murray
  • About the answer of the impotent man there could be no doubt.
  • Extract from : « The Ministry of Intercession » by Andrew Murray
  • The result is a compound of vulgar rascalities and impotent Byronics.
  • Extract from : « Graham's Magazine Vol XXXII. No. 5. May 1848 » by Various
  • Never had he felt so impotent, so utterly unworthy of his manhood.
  • Extract from : « A Spirit in Prison » by Robert Hichens
  • Since the impotent woman had been struck down, she had never moved her hands.
  • Extract from : « Therese Raquin » by Emile Zola
  • Madame Raquin, impotent and childish, ceased to be an obstacle.
  • Extract from : « Therese Raquin » by Emile Zola
  • At first sight the legislator appears to be impotent, for all things are the sport of chance.
  • Extract from : « Laws » by Plato

Antonyms for impotent

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019