Defoliate (Verb)
Meaning
Strip the leaves or branches from; "defoliate the trees with pesticides".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The chemicals released from the factory's chimney began to defoliate the surrounding trees and vegetation.
- Respiratory problems have been linked to the pesticide used to defoliate the crops.
- In order to control the spread of the disease, they decided to defoliate several areas of the forest.
- Storms with strong winds can defoliate trees, causing them to appear sparse and barren for months.
- Herbicides were used to defoliate the side of the highway in preparation for new landscaping.