defoliate

verb

de·​fo·​li·​ate (ˌ)dē-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt How to pronounce defoliate (audio)
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

Examples of defoliate in a Sentence

a chemical used to defoliate trees Insects are defoliating the trees.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thielen noted that the three St. Louis County wildfires were zero percent contained as of early Tuesday afternoon, and that the dry and windy conditions Tuesday and Wednesday are conducive to wildfire spread in an area heavily defoliated by the spruce budworm. Katie Rohman, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025 This bright red insect can severely defoliate these lilies. Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for defoliate

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of defoliate was in 1793

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Defoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defoliate. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

defoliate

verb
de·​fo·​li·​ate (ˈ)dē-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt How to pronounce defoliate (audio)
defoliated; defoliating
: to deprive of leaves

More from Merriam-Webster on defoliate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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