senility
|se-ni-li-ty|
🇺🇸
/səˈnɪlɪti/
🇬🇧
/sɪˈnɪlɪti/
age-related mental decline
Etymology
'senility' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'senilitas' (from 'senilis'), where 'senis' or 'senex' meant 'old (man)'.
'senility' developed from Latin 'senilitas' through late Latin/Old French influences (e.g. French 'sénilité') and was adopted into English in the modern form 'senility'.
Initially it meant 'the quality or state of being old,' but over time it has come to emphasize decline or weakness (especially mental decline) associated with old age.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the condition of showing the weaknesses of old age, especially a decline in mental faculties (memory, reasoning, judgment).
His senility became noticeable when he repeatedly forgot recent conversations and appointments.
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Noun 2
a general state of physical or mental feebleness associated with advanced age (used more broadly, sometimes non-medically).
Concerns about her parents' increasing senility led her to arrange regular medical checkups.
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Last updated: 2025/08/26 21:33