Invigorator

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A stimulant or agent that increases both physical energy and mental clarity
2. An entity that enhances one's physical strength and sharpness of mind
3. A force or substance that raises vigor and alertness in a person

Etymology: "Invigorator" is a straightforward formation: it combines "invigorate" with the agent suffix "-or," which marks a person or thing that performs an action. So an invigorator is, literally, something that invigorates. The root verb "invigorate" is built from the prefix "in-," meaning "into," and "vigor," which ultimately traces back to Latin "vigor," meaning liveliness or force, from "vigere," to be lively or flourish. Put together, the verb carries the sense of putting vigor into something or someone. The suffix "-or" entered English through Anglo-French and Latin, where it formed agent nouns like "actor" and "editor." Attaching it to a verb gives a noun for whatever does the action, so "invigorator" names the agent that restores strength or sharpness.

Synonyms: energizer, revitalizer

Antonyms: diminisher, weakened