Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN-CA-PAC'I-TATE, 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.