afforest

transitive verb

af·​for·​est a-ˈfȯr-əst How to pronounce afforest (audio) ə- How to pronounce afforest (audio)
-ˈfär-
-ed/-ing/-s
1
English law : to convert into a forest (see forest sense 1)
2
: to establish forest cover on (as land not previously forested) compare reforest

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin afforestāre, from Latin ad- ad- + Late Latin forestis "unenclosed woodland, forest entry 1"

First Known Use

1503, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of afforest was in 1503

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Cite this Entry

“Afforest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afforest. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.

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