depowered

Depowered is an adjective describing something that has had its power removed, reduced, or halted, resulting in an inability to operate as intended. The term is commonly used across technical, industrial, and fictional contexts to indicate a loss or absence of energy, capability, or influence.

In technical and practical terms, a depowered device, system, or component has been disconnected from its energy source or drained of its stored energy. Depowering can occur intentionally, such as during maintenance or safety procedures like lockout/tagout, or unintentionally, as when a battery is exhausted or a power supply fails. Depowered equipment is typically rendered inactive to prevent harm, damage, or unintended operation.

In fiction and popular culture, depowered often describes characters or artifacts that once possessed powers or abilities but have those powers temporarily or permanently removed. This usage is a common plot device to create conflict, alter dynamics, or test resilience. Depowerment can arise through external forces, technological dampening fields, or narrative reversals, and it frequently drives character development and plot progression.

In role-playing games and simulations, a depowered state refers to a temporary limitation on a character’s abilities, usually tied to resource management, environmental effects, or spell and power restrictions. The status is usually reversible, with restoration occurring when conditions change or resources are restored.

Depowered can also function as a synonym for powerless or de-energized, though usage may vary by field. See also power outage, power-down, disablement, and nullification.