senile Definition
- 1showing the weakness of age, especially by becoming confused or forgetful
- 2relating to or characteristic of old age
Using senile: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "senile" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
My grandfather is becoming increasingly senile and forgetful.
Example
The old man's senile ramblings were hard to follow.
Example
The doctor diagnosed her with senile dementia.
Example
The senile patient required constant care.
senile Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with senile
Example
Senile decay is a natural part of the aging process.
a type of dementia that occurs in older people and is characterized by memory loss, confusion, and disorientation
Example
The patient was diagnosed with senile dementia and required specialized care.
senile cataract
a clouding of the lens of the eye that occurs as a result of aging
Example
The doctor recommended surgery to remove the senile cataract.
Origins of senile
from Latin 'senilis', from 'senex' meaning 'old man'
Summary: senile in Brief
The term 'senile' [ˈsiːnaɪl] refers to the physical and mental decline that comes with old age, often characterized by forgetfulness, confusion, and disorientation. It extends into phrases like 'senile decay,' and medical conditions like 'senile dementia.' 'Senile' is a formal term, with synonyms like 'geriatric' and 'aged,' and informal terms like 'old' and 'dodgy.'