defoliate

pronunciation

How to pronounce defoliate in British English: UK [ˌdi:ˈfəʊlieɪt]word uk audio image

How to pronounce defoliate in American English: US [ˌdiˈfoʊlieɪt] word us audio image

  • Verb:
    strip the leaves or branches from
  • Adjective:
    deprived of leaves

Word Origin

defoliate (v.)
1793, perhaps a back-formation from defoliation. Earlier in this sense was defoil (c. 1600). Related: Defoliated; defoliating.

Example

1. A herbicide used in the vietnam war to defoliate forest areas .
2. Infestations of these caterpillars defoliate oaks and other hardwood trees but usually do no permanent damage .

more: >How to Use "defoliate" with Example Sentences