Depopulate: meaning, definitions and examples

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depopulate

 

[diːˈpɒpjʊleɪt ]

Definition

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'de-', meaning 'down' or 'from', combined with 'populare', meaning 'to people' or 'to inhabit'.
  • First recorded use was in the mid-20th century, notably in discussions about population control.
  • Related terms include 'population', which stems from the same Latin root, indicating its focus on the number of people.

Historical Context

  • In the 14th century, Europe faced severe depopulation due to the Black Death, which wiped out an estimated 25 million people.
  • Certain colonial practices led to the depopulation of indigenous populations through disease and displacement.
  • Modern discussions about depopulation often relate to environmental sustainability and urban planning as areas become overcrowded.

Cultural References

  • Dystopian literature often explores themes of depopulation, reflecting fears about resource scarcity and government control.
  • Films like 'Children of Men' illustrate a world grappling with widespread depopulation and societal breakdown.
  • The idea appears in various mythologies, such as the concept of catastrophic events leading to population decline, often as a warning.

Psychology

  • Research shows that areas with high depopulation rates can lead to psychological stress among remaining residents due to feelings of isolation.
  • Studies indicate that people may fear depopulation due to its association with loss of community, culture, and identity.
  • Conversely, some argue that less population density can enhance quality of life by reducing competition for resources.

Environmental Impact

  • In discussions about climate change, depopulating certain overpopulated areas can be a strategy for environmental restoration.
  • Advocates for urban depopulation promote the idea that fewer people can lead to less pollution and decreased consumption.
  • The phenomenon is sometimes analyzed through the lens of urban ecology, where biodiversity can rebound in depopulated regions.

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

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.