Deforest: meaning, definitions and examples

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deforest

 

[ dɪˈfɔːrɛst ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

environmental impact

Deforest refers to the act of clearing or removing forests or trees from an area, making it barren typically for agriculture, urban development, or other land uses. This can lead to significant environmental consequences including loss of biodiversity, disruption of water cycles, and contributing to climate change. Deforestation is often driven by human activities and can have both immediate and long-term impacts on ecosystems and the global environment.

Synonyms

clear-cut, logging, woodcutting

Examples of usage

  • The government plans to deforest the region for a new highway.
  • Many activists are working against companies that deforest large areas.
  • Deforesting these lands has led to erosion and soil degradation.

Translations

Translations of the word "deforest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desflorestação

🇮🇳 वनों की कटाई

🇩🇪 Abholzung

🇮🇩 penebangan hutan

🇺🇦 випилювання лісів

🇵🇱 wylesianie

🇯🇵 森林伐採

🇫🇷 déforestation

🇪🇸 deforestación

🇹🇷 ormanları yok etme

🇰🇷 삼림 벌채

🇸🇦 إزالة الغابات

🇨🇿 odlesnění

🇸🇰 odlesnenie

🇨🇳 森林砍伐

🇸🇮 deforestacija

🇮🇸 skógarrækt

🇰🇿 орманның жойылуы

🇬🇪 პარკების გაწყვეტა

🇦🇿 meşə kəsilməsi

🇲🇽 deforestación

Word origin

The word 'deforest' is derived from the prefix 'de-' meaning to remove or reverse, and 'forest,' which comes from the Latin word 'foris' meaning 'outside' or 'out of doors.' The term began to appear in the English language in the early 19th century, corresponding with growing awareness of environmental issues and the increasing impact of industrialization on natural landscapes. Deforestation became a pressing concern as more forests were cleared for agriculture and urbanization, highlighting the balance that needs to be struck between development and conservation. Since then, the term has evolved to embody not only the physical act of tree removal but also the broader environmental implications, leading to discussions and legislation aimed at promoting sustainable forestry practices.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,203, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.