stultifying
|stul-ti-fy-ing|
/ˈstʌltɪfaɪ/
(stultify)
make foolish / make ineffective
Etymology
'stultify' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'stultificare', where 'stultus' meant 'foolish' and the element '-ficare' (from 'facere') meant 'to make'.
'stultificare' was used in Latin meaning 'to make foolish'; it entered English in the early 17th century as 'stultify' (borrowed from Latin, with direct formation reflecting 'stultus' + '-fy').
Initially it meant 'to make foolish'; over time the meaning broadened to include 'to render ineffective or useless' and 'to suppress or inhibit (activity or creativity)', as well as simply 'make to appear ridiculous'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present-participle form of 'stultify' (used to indicate the action of making someone or something appear foolish, ineffective, or inhibited).
The endless paperwork is stultifying the department and delaying every decision.
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Adjective 1
causing dullness, loss of enthusiasm or initiative, or making someone feel foolish or incompetent; extremely boring or inhibiting.
She found the meeting stultifying — the same points were repeated with no action taken.
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Last updated: 2025/09/15 02:10