Defoliate

Vocabulary Spotlight

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To remove leaves from a tree, plant, or area, often as a method to clear land or during military operations.

“Farmers sometimes defoliate crops before harvesting to make the process easier.”

Pronunciation

[dih-foh-lee-eyt]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Strip
Denude
Clear
Remove leaves
Despoil

Antonyms

Fertilize
Nourish
Grow
Cultivate
Enrich

Related Words

Defoliation (noun)
Defoliant (noun)
Denude (verb)

Word Origin

“Defoliate” comes from the Latin “defoliare,” meaning “to strip of leaves,” combining “de-” (down or away) and “folium” (leaf).

Word Family

Noun: Defoliation – The act of removing leaves from plants.

Noun: Defoliant – A chemical used to remove leaves from plants.

Mnemonics

Think “de-foliate” as “de-leaf” – removing leaves or foliage from plants.

Industry-specific Usage

Agriculture

In agriculture, crops are sometimes defoliated before harvest to make the process easier and more efficient.

Forestry

Defoliation in forestry can result from pest infestations or deliberate land-clearing practices.

Military

In military contexts, defoliants are used to remove vegetation cover, exposing areas of land.

In Context

“Defoliate” describes removing leaves from plants or trees, whether naturally, through chemical means, or for practical purposes, such as agriculture or military strategies.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which is a synonym of “Defoliate”?

Strip

Fertilize

Nourish

Enrich

‘Strip’ is correct as it means to remove something, similar to defoliating leaves from plants.

2. Fill in the blank: The army used chemicals to _______ the forest, exposing enemy positions.

fertilize

cultivate

defoliate

grow

‘Defoliate’ is correct as it refers to removing leaves from vegetation, often using chemicals.

3. In which field is “defoliate” commonly used?

Education

Banking

Medicine

Agriculture

‘Agriculture’ is correct, as defoliation often refers to removing leaves from crops.