English edit

Etymology edit

From potent +‎ -i- +‎ -ate, modelled after German potenzieren.

Verb edit

potentiate (third-person singular simple present potentiates, present participle potentiating, simple past and past participle potentiated)

  1. (transitive) To endow with power.
  2. (transitive) To enhance.
  3. (transitive) To increase the potency (of a drug or biochemical agent).
    These antidepressants potentiate the analgesic action of opiates.