stultify

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stul·ti·fy / ˈstəltəˌfī/ • v. (-fies, -fied) [tr.] 1. [usu. as adj.] (stultifying) cause to lose enthusiasm and initiative, esp. as a result of a tedious or restrictive routine: the mentally stultifying effects of a disadvantaged home.2. cause (someone) to appear foolish or absurd: Counsel is not expected to stultify himself in an attempt to advance his client's interests.DERIVATIVES: stul·ti·fi·ca·tion / ˌstəltəfiˈkāshən/ n.stul·ti·fi·er n.