defoliate

verb

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de·fo·li·ate | \ (ˌ)dē-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt

defoliated; defoliating; defoliates

Definition of defoliate

transitive verb

: to deprive of leaves especially prematurely Black spot, which looks like its name, attacks leaves. Left untreated, it spreads and multiplies, and can defoliate the plant.— Dave Dunn During 1979, approximately 226.260 acres of land/forest was estimated to have been defoliated to varying degrees by the Gypsy moth … in Massachusetts.— David B. Halliwell

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Other Words from defoliate

defoliation \ (ˌ)dē-ˌfō-lē-ˈā-shən

\ noun

defoliator \ (ˌ)dē-ˈfō-lē-ˌā-tər

\ noun

Examples of defoliate in a Sentence

a chemical used to defoliate trees Insects are defoliating the trees.

Recent Examples on the Web The primary aim in conflict zones was to destroy crops and to defoliate forests used by enemy fighters. — Washington Post, 10 May 2021 Her father, Albion Bergstrom, a 73-year-old professor at the Naval War College, has health issues linked to his exposure to Agent Orange that was used by the U.S. military to defoliate forests during the Vietnam War. — William Boston, WSJ, 24 Dec. 2020 Yes, Sitka spruce are being defoliated up and down the entire Oregon coast and in parts of northern California. — oregonlive, 27 Oct. 2019 If a benjamina defoliates somewhat, you aren’t left with this big bald spot on your tree. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2019 These beetles defoliate plants, reducing yields or killing young plants. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 10 July 2018 These beetles defoliate plants, reducing yields or killing young plants. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 10 July 2018 These beetles defoliate plants, reducing yields or killing young plants. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 10 July 2018 These beetles defoliate plants, reducing yields or killing young plants. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 10 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'defoliate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.