Depopulate: meaning, definitions and examples

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depopulate

 

[ diːˈpɒpjʊleɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

population reduction

To depopulate means to reduce the number of inhabitants in a particular area or region. This can occur due to various factors such as war, disease, or intentional intervention by authorities.

Synonyms

decrease, diminish, empty, reduce

Examples of usage

  • The war led to the depopulation of several cities.
  • Policies aimed at depopulating certain areas were introduced.
  • Natural disasters can depopulate regions in their aftermath.

Translations

Translations of the word "depopulate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 despovoar

🇮🇳 जनसंख्या घटाना

🇩🇪 entvölkern

🇮🇩 mengurangi populasi

🇺🇦 зменшити населення

🇵🇱 wypopulować

🇯🇵 人口を減少させる

🇫🇷 dépeupler

🇪🇸 despoblar

🇹🇷 nüfusu azaltmak

🇰🇷 인구를 줄이다

🇸🇦 تقليل السكان

🇨🇿 vyľidnit

🇸🇰 vypustiť

🇨🇳 减少人口

🇸🇮 depopulirati

🇮🇸 fækka íbúum

🇰🇿 халықты азайту

🇬🇪 გადატვირთვა

🇦🇿 əhalini azaltmaq

🇲🇽 despoblar

Etymology

The term 'depopulate' has its origins in the early 20th century, combining the prefix 'de-' meaning 'removal' or 'reversal' with the root 'populate', which comes from the Latin 'populare', meaning 'to make a population' or 'to inhabit'. The root 'populus' translates to 'people', highlighting the word's connection to human populations. Initially used in discussions about urban planning and demographics, the term has evolved to describe various scenarios in which a population is intentionally or unintentionally reduced. It has gained increased relevance in contexts such as environmental studies, warfare, and public health initiatives affecting demographic changes. The word reflects societal concerns about migration, urban decay, and the impacts of crises on communities.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,287, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.