deforestation

UK: ˌdiːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃən | US: ˌdiːˌfɔːrɪˈsteɪʃən

Definition

  1. n. the action or process of clearing forests, typically for agricultural or commercial purposes.

Structure
de <remove>forest <woodland>ation <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "deforestation" combines three morphemes:

  1. "de-" (Latin origin, meaning "remove" or "reverse"),
  2. "forest" (from Old French forest, meaning "woodland"),
  3. "-ation" (a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process).
    The term emerged in the early 19th century to describe the deliberate removal of forests, reflecting environmental concerns tied to industrialization. The logic is straightforward: "de-" negates "forest," and "-ation" turns it into a process.
Examples

  1. Deforestation in the Amazon has accelerated due to illegal logging.

  2. The government introduced policies to reduce deforestation.

  3. Climate scientists warn that deforestation contributes to global warming.

  4. Sustainable farming can help combat deforestation.

  5. Activists protested against the deforestation of protected lands.