Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Disable?

\Dis*a"ble\, a. Lacking ability; unable. [Obs.] ``Our disable and unactive force.'' --Daniel.
\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. [Obs.] ``He disabled my judgment.'' --Shak. Syn: To weaken; unfit; disqualify; incapacitate.