defoliate

verb

de·​fo·​li·​ate (ˌ)dē-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt 

defoliated; defoliating; defoliates

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

Just two years after winds from Hurricane Iniki defoliated much of the island, towering eucalyptus and pine trees in this mountainside park are lush with new green leaves.

—Jeff Phillips

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

Affected trees can be completely defoliated, giving a wintry appearance in summer. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025

Only the Box Tree Moth caterpillars will defoliate the plants. —Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 10 Aug. 2024

These caterpillars will eat the foliage and defoliate a boxwood. —Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 10 Aug. 2024

For example, spongy moths may be virtually absent for years on end before appearing en masse and defoliating forests. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin defoliatus, past participle of defoliare, from Latin de- + folium leaf — more at blade

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for defoliate

• trifoliate

Kids Definition

defoliate

verb

de·​fo·​li·​ate (ˈ)dē-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt 

defoliated; defoliating

: to deprive of leaves

defoliation

(ˌ)dē-ˌfō-lē-ˈā-shən 

noun

defoliator

(ˈ)dē-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt-ər 

noun