Infirm
/ɪnˈfɜːrm/noun
Weak or ill, especially due to old age or illness.
Did you know?The term 'infirm' is rooted in Latin, where it was often associated with moral weakness, not just physical frailty, hinting at deeper societal views on strength and integrity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bher-
“To carry, to bear, suggesting strength or support.”
Latin
Latin
infirmus
“Not strong, weak, frail, reflecting both physical and moral weakness.”
Old French
Old French
enfermer
“To confine or restrict, conveying a sense of limitation.”
14th Century
Middle English
infirm
“Weakness in health or morals, a direct borrowing from Latin through Old French.”
Modern English
English
infirm
“Retaining the meaning of physical and moral weakness, highlighting vulnerability.”