potentiate

verb

po·​ten·​ti·​ate pə-ˈten(t)-shē-ˌāt How to pronounce potentiate (audio)
potentiated; potentiating

transitive verb

: to make effective or active or more effective or more active
also : to augment the activity of (something, such as a drug) synergistically
potentiation noun

Examples of potentiate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As ideological commentary, in other words, the series ends up more hobbled than potentiated by its fictional aspects. Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024 Kratom may also potentiate the effects of alcohol and other sedatives. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2022 Cornejo said this would undoubtedly be a factor that would potentiate a possible defeat for Sinema at the polls. Javier Arce, The Arizona Republic, 10 Feb. 2022 When left untreated, mental illness can potentiate physical conditions like heart disease, resulting in even more expensive treatment needs. Liat Jarkon, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2020 Thus understood, Fascism is totalitarian, and the Fascist State — a synthesis and a unit inclusive of all values — interprets, develops, and potentiates the whole life of a people. Joseph Loconte, National Review, 25 June 2019 Head counters will quickly grasp that with the addition of Evan, the group constitutes two subsets of five members, representing the insidious number that potentiates the Hisji, whose curse is particularly diabolical and deadly. Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 June 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'potentiate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potentiate was in 1667

Dictionary Entries Near potentiate

Cite this Entry

“Potentiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potentiate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

potentiate

transitive verb
po·​ten·​ti·​ate pə-ˈten-chē-ˌāt How to pronounce potentiate (audio)
potentiated; potentiating
: to make effective or active or more effective or more active
also : to augment the activity of (as a drug) synergistically
potentiation noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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