online medical dictionary | definition of infirmity

Origin: L. Infirmitas: cf. F. Infirmite. See Infirm.

1. The state of being infirm; feebleness; an imperfection or weakness; especially, an unsound, unhealthy, or debilitated state; a disease; a malady; as, infirmity of body or mind. "'T is the infirmity of his age." (Shak)

2. A personal frailty or failing; foible; eccentricity; a weakness or defect. "Will you be cured of your infirmity ?" (Shak) "A friend should bear his friend's infirmities." (Shak) "The house has also its infirmities." (Evelyn)

Synonyms: Debility, imbecility, weakness, feebleness, failing, foible, defect, disease, malady. See Debility.

(01 Mar 1998)