Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam Practice 2025 – Comprehensive Prep

The term "debilitate" means to weaken or impair the strength or efficiency of something. In this context, the antonym would be a word that conveys the opposite effect—strengthening or enabling someone or something rather than weakening it.

"Empower" captures this idea perfectly, as it signifies giving strength or authority to someone, effectively enhancing their abilities or capacities. When one is empowered, they are in a state of increased strength, confidence, and capability, which contrasts directly with the weakening connotation of "debilitate."

The other choices do not convey this strengthening meaning. "Relax" suggests a state of rest or easing tension rather than an increase in strength. "Hinder" implies obstruction or prevention, while "detract" indicates a reduction in value or quality. None of these terms provide the opposite meaning of empowering, which is why "empower" stands out as the correct antonym.