Impotent

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɪm.pÉ™.tÉ™nt/

Origin

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

Full definition of impotent

Adjective

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.
• DrydenImpotent of tongue, her silence broke.

Synonyms

• (lacking strength) feeble, puny, weak
• (lacking power) helpless, powerless
• (incapable of sexual intercourse)
• (lacking self-restraint) incontinent

Antonyms

• potent

Related terms

• impotence