enervate

tr.v

(dictionary.com)

1. To weaken or destroy the strength or vitality of: “the luxury which enervates and destroys nations” (Henry David Thoreau). See Synonyms at deplete.

I am a reformed misuser of this word, so was quick to catch its misuse on one of this mornings NPR segments.

A Catholic priest was discussing how the decline in the number of priests could have increased his workload, but it allowed him to involve his parishinors with lay preaching and other duties "...involving and enervating them." I surely hope this spreading of duties is actually energizing his flock.

supercilious

adj.

Feeling or showing haughty disdain. See Synonyms at proud.


I almost misused this word today when documenting one of the software classes I had written. The word I was actually looking for was 'superflous'.

"Though it might seem superflous, this class fits in with the general architecture and does less harm by being here than if it weren't written at all."