impotent

English

Etymology

From Old French impotent, from Latin impotēns, from in- (expresses negation) + potēns (powerful).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈɪm.pə.tənt/, IPA(key): /ˈɪm.pə.tɪnt/

Adjective

impotent (comparative more impotent, superlative most impotent)

  1. Lacking physical strength or vigor; weak.
  2. Lacking in power, as to act effectively; helpless
    • Technology without morality is barbarous; morality without technology is impotent (Freeman J. Dyson).
  3. Incapable of sexual intercourse, often because of an inability to achieve or sustain an erection.
  4. (of a male) Sterile.
  5. (obsolete) Lacking self-restraint.
    • Dryden
      Impotent of tongue, her silence broke.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Translations

Noun

impotent (plural impotents)

  1. A man who has erectile dysfunction.
  2. An impotent or powerless person.

Synonyms

Antonyms


French

Adjective

impotent (feminine singular impotente, masculine plural impotents, feminine plural impotentes)

  1. infirm, disabled
  2. impotent

Middle French

Adjective

impotent m (feminine singular impotente, masculine plural impotens, feminine plural impotentes)

  1. impotent (incapable of sexual intercourse)
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