defoliate
UK: /diːˈfəʊlieɪt/ | US: /diːˈfoʊlieɪt/
vt. to strip (a tree, plant, or area) of leaves
vt. to cause the leaves of a plant to fall off, typically by chemical action
defoliate = de<remove> + foli<leaf> + ate<verb suffix>
- de<remove>: Latin prefix meaning "remove" or "reverse."
- foli<leaf>: From Latin folium (leaf), retained in words like "foliage" and "folio."
- ate<verb suffix>: Latin-derived suffix forming verbs indicating causation or transformation.
Etymology Origin:
The word "defoliate" emerged in the 18th century, combining Latin de- (undoing) and folium (leaf). It originally described natural leaf-shedding but later gained agricultural/military usage (e.g., herbicides). The morphemes logically depict "removing leaves," preserving the Latin structure in modern English.
The herbicide was used to defoliate the dense jungle during the war.
Autumn winds defoliate the trees, covering the ground in a carpet of leaves.
Farmers avoid defoliating crops prematurely to ensure healthy growth.
The invasive insects defoliated entire orchards within weeks.
Natural processes defoliate deciduous forests annually.