senility
noun
Note: Due to its negative implication that cognitive decline is part of the normal aging process, use of the term senility is now typically avoided in medical contexts and may be considered offensive in general contexts. Dementia is usually considered the appropriate term to use when describing the serious progressive cognitive decline that most commonly affects older adults.
Examples of senility in a Sentence
Joshua Byun, Foreign Affairs, 18 July 2024
These two cases also underscore how foreign suspicions of senility can have significant ramifications for foreign policy.
—Joshua Byun, Foreign Affairs, 18 July 2024
Judge cites Kelly’s age and senility as reasons to dismiss the prosecution’s request
In an under advisement order, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Thomas Fink granted the defense's motion to dismiss the case with prejudice partly because of Kelly’s age.
—Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 10 July 2024
After Thelma’s duped out of $10,000 by a caller claiming Danny has been arrested and needs bail money, her family (Parker Posey and Clark Gregg) chalk it up to senility in need of a nursing home.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for senility 
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Cite this Entry
“Senility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/senility. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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senility
noun
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