impotent

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   unable to copulate, usually referring to a man

   The impotent patient was given drugs to help with arousal.

2. 2
   adj

   Lacking in power, as to act effectively; helpless

   Technology without morality is barbarous; morality without technology is impotent.

3. 3
   adj

   Incapable of sexual intercourse, often because of an inability to achieve or sustain an erection, having impotentia coeundi.

   A person smeared with the excrement of a mouse was rendered impotent, according to Pliny the Elder.

4. 4
   adj

   Lacking self-restraint

   Then, impotent of tongue (her ſilence broke) / Thus turbulent in rattling tone ſhe ſpoke.

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

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