uproot

verb

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up·root | \ (ˌ)əp-ˈrüt

, -ˈru̇t

uprooted; uprooting; uproots

Definition of uproot

transitive verb

1 : to remove as if by pulling up

2 : to pull up by the roots

3 : to displace from a country or traditional habitat

Other Words from uproot Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about uproot

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Choose the Right Synonym for uproot

exterminate, extirpate, eradicate, uproot mean to effect the destruction or abolition of something. exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals. exterminate cockroaches extirpate implies extinction of a race, family, species, or sometimes an idea or doctrine by destruction or removal of its means of propagation. many species have been extirpated from the area eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself. a campaign to eradicate illiteracy uproot implies a forcible or violent removal and stresses displacement or dislodgment rather than immediate destruction. the war uprooted thousands

Examples of uproot in a Sentence

Many trees were uprooted by the storm. Will we ever be able to uproot racial prejudice? Taking the job would mean uprooting my family.

Recent Examples on the Web Jared told me to look by the lock-and-dam systems along the Mississippi River, where eagles often feast on the fish uprooted by the rushing water. — Washington Post, "On the tourist trail in Iowa," 16 Jan. 2020 There were no injuries reported during the storm overnight, but a landscape worker in New London was hit by a tree that uprooted and fell just after 9 a.m., officials said. — Zach Murdock, courant.com, "Thousands without power in Connecticut Friday afternoon as crews continue cleanup after powerful storm," 18 Oct. 2019 People are being uprooted by other climate shifts as well. — Emily Atkin, The New Republic, "The Blood-Dimmed Tide," 16 Sep. 2019 Public Works Director Dave Webb said the face lift that could uproot the trees is at least three to five years away. — Hillary Davis, Daily Pilot, "10 Balboa Island trees should be removed within a year, Newport Beach arborist says, though residents object," 15 Aug. 2019 House prices have fallen, meaning that many residents who are willing to uproot their families have no financial option but to stay. — Samantha Pearson, WSJ, "Residents Near Brazil’s Mine Dams Live in Fear," 29 Jan. 2020 This tornado was powerful enough to uproot a very large tree. — Dallas News, "7 tornadoes confirmed across Texas from Friday night’s severe weather outbreak," 13 Jan. 2020 That should be popular among players having to uproot their families, suffer through absurd travel demands and watch big-name free agents decide to not join them overseas. — Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, "NFL can’t be the same without Oakland, San Diego," 8 Nov. 2019 Early this month, workers at the Washington headquarters of the Bureau of Land Management gathered to discuss a Trump administration plan that would force some 200 people to uproot their lives or find other jobs. — Mike Spies, ProPublica, "Inside the Trump Administration’s Chaotic Dismantling of the Federal Land Agency," 20 Sep. 2019

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

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