<undermine/debilitate> your spirit's strength

[hx1997]

Hi,

I am wondering if I could fill in the blank with either "undermine" or "debilitate"?

Don't allow the sinfulness in the world you inhabit to ____ your spirit's strength.

If not, what are the differences?

Thanks in advance!

 

[lingobingo]

Debilitate is not the right word in that context. It’s used mainly with regard to ill health, as in “MS is a debilitating condition”.

Undermine is better – meaning to reduce the effectiveness of something (undermine - WordReference.com Dictionary of English).

 

[hx1997]

Okay! Thanks, lingobingo!