Main Entry: im·pov·er·ish

Pronunciation: \im-ˈpäv-rish, -ˈpä-və-\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English enpoverisshen, from Anglo-French empoveriss-, stem of empoverir, from en- + povre poor — more at poor

Date: 15th century

1 : to make poor
2 : to deprive of strength, richness, or fertility by depleting or draining of something essential

synonyms see deplete

— im·pov·er·ish·er noun

— im·pov·er·ish·ment \-mənt\ noun