impoverish
im·pov·er·ish
verb \im-ˈpäv-rish, -ˈpä-və-\Definition of IMPOVERISH
transitive verb
1
: to make poor
2
: to deprive of strength, richness, or fertility by depleting or draining of something essential
— im·pov·er·ish·er noun
— im·pov·er·ish·ment \-mənt\ noun
See Examples of IMPOVERISH
- The dictator enriched himself but impoverished his people.
- Poor farming practices impoverished the soil.
Origin of IMPOVERISH
Middle English enpoverisshen, from Anglo-French empoveriss-, stem of empoverir, from en- + povre poor — more at poor
First Known Use: 15th century
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