etiolate

/ˈiːtiəleɪt/
verb
  1. To make a plant pale and weak by keeping it away from sunlight.
    • If you etiolate your houseplants, they will grow long, thin stems and lose their green color.
    • The farmer knew that etiolating the celery stalks made them more tender and white.
    • The gardener accidentally etiolated the seedlings by leaving them in a dark closet.
  2. To make someone or something weak, pale, or less vigorous.
    • A diet of only junk food can etiolate even the healthiest person over time.
    • Years of working in a windowless office seemed to etiolate his energy and spirit.
    • The constant criticism etiolated her confidence until she barely spoke up.
Antonyms
What does "etiolate" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean