INCAPAC'ITATE, v.t. [in and capacitate.] 1. To deprive of capacity or natural power of learning, knowing, understanding or performing. Old age and infirmity often incapacitate men to exercise the office of a judge.2. To render or make incapable; as, infancy incapacitates a child for learning algebra.3. To disable; to weaken; to deprive of competent power or ability. This is an improper use of the word. The loss of an arm disables a soldier, but does not incapacitate him.4. To render unfit; as, infancy incapacitates one for marriage.5. To disqualify; to deprive of legal or constitutional requisites; as, conviction of a crime incapacitates one to be a witness.
|