Impotency

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The inability to perform sexually or maintain an erection effectively
2. A condition marked by the failure to achieve or sustain an erection required for sexual intercourse
3. The state in which an individual cannot adequately perform sexual functions due to physical or psychological factors

Etymology: The sexual sense is the narrow one. "Impotency" comes from Latin "impotentia," meaning lack of power or strength, and it applied to anyone or anything without force or ability. Medical and sexual uses came later, and the broader sense of helplessness remains in the family. The English word "impotent" once described a person who was simply powerless, weak, or unable to act. The root is "potens," meaning powerful or capable, the same source as "potent" and "potentate," a ruler. The prefix "in-" reverses it, so the Latin word is a plain negation of power. "Impotency" is the older-style variant ending in "-cy," and it is less common than "impotence," which has the same meaning.

Synonyms: impotence, weakness, inability

Antonyms: strength, power, ability