invigorate
in-VIG-uh-rayt
/ɪnˈvɪɡəreɪt/
To give strength, energy, or life to someone or something.
Implies refreshing or restoring vitality to something that was tired, stagnant, or weak, often through physical stimulation, fresh ideas, or new energy.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'invigorare', which combines the prefix 'in-' (into) with 'vigor' (liveliness, activity, force). The root 'vigor' comes from 'vigere', meaning 'to be lively or strong', which also gives us the word 'vigilant'.
Word relationships
- revitalize: Revitalize means to bring back to life after near destruction or total decay, whereas invigorate focuses on adding fresh energy and strength to something that is sluggish.
- energize: Energize is a simpler, more common word that means to supply with energy, while invigorate carries a connotation of deep refreshment and healthy restoration.
- enervate: Enervate means to drain someone of physical, mental, or moral energy, acting as the perfect clinical opposite of invigorate.
- exhaust: Exhaust means to completely drain of strength or resources, leaving nothing left.
Commonly confused with
- strengthen: Strengthen means to make physically stronger or more secure, while invigorate specifically emphasizes the feeling of being refreshed, lively, and full of active energy.
Word family
- invigorating (adjective): Making one feel strong, healthy, and full of energy.
- vigor (noun): Physical strength and good health; effort, energy, or enthusiasm.
Collocations
- invigorate the economy
- feel invigorated
- invigorate the body
- highly invigorate
Example sentences
- "A brisk walk in the cold mountain air never failed to invigorate his tired mind." Describing the effect of nature.
- "The appointment of a dynamic new creative director helped to invigorate the aging fashion brand." Discussing business reform.
Memory hook
Think of 'vigor' as 'V-8' vegetable juice. Drinking it puts 'vigor' into you, which 'invigorates' your body. Put vigor into your life.
When not to use
Do not use when describing a purely structural or administrative change that doesn't actually breathe new life or energy into the system.
Fun facts
- The term 'invigorate' was historically used in patent medicine advertisements in the 19th century, promising that various herbal tonics would 'invigorate the blood' and cure all ailments.
Explore more words
revitalize, rejuvenate, exhilarate, restorative, vibrant, revitalization
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