Definition of defoliate
transitive verb
: to deprive of leaves especially prematurely
From the M-W Editors
Examples of defoliate in a Sentence
a chemical used to defoliate trees
Insects are defoliating the trees.
Recent Examples of defoliate from the Web
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There was a significant outbreak of the pest in Rhode Island and in large sections of eastern Connecticut starting in 2015 and even larger areas of Connecticut were defoliated last year.
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.
Origin and Etymology of defoliate
Late Latin defoliatus, past participle of defoliare, from Latin de- + folium leaf — more at blade
DEFOLIATE Defined for English Language Learners
defoliate
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verb
Definition of defoliate for English Language Learners
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: to cause the leaves of (a plant) to fall off
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