Defoliate (verb)

To cause the leaves of plants to fall off, typically by using a chemical or substance, often used in agriculture to destroy unwanted plants or to promote the growth of certain crops.

Origin:

The word "defoliate" is formed from the prefix "de-" which means to undo or reverse, and the word "foliate" which refers to leaf or foliage. together the word means to cause the leaves of plants to fall off or lose their leaves.

Examples:

1. The farmer defoliated the field to kill the weeds.
2. The use of defoliants to defoliate trees during the war resulted in widespread environmental damage.
3. The chemical was used to defoliate the trees prematurely.
4. The use of defoliants to defoliate trees is banned in many countries due to the negative impact on the environment.
5. The land was defoliated to clear it for farming.