1. making pale or weak, especially by depriving a plant of light, causing it to lose color and become thin and spindly
Usage: present participle of etiolate; commonly used in botany and gardening contexts
2. making someone or something pale, weak, or feeble in character or spirit
Usage: figurative use; less common than botanical sense

Examples

• The seedlings were etiolating in the dark basement, becoming pale and spindly.
• Without adequate sunlight, the houseplants are etiolating and losing their vibrant green color.
• The gardener moved the etiolating sprouts to a sunny windowsill to restore their health.
• Years of confinement were etiolating his spirit and confidence.
• The lack of natural light was etiolating the indoor vegetables, making them weak and thin.