Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Depopulated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿš๏ธ
Add to dictionary

depopulated

[หŒdiหหˆpษ’pjสŠleษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

population decrease

Depopulated refers to the process of a significant reduction in the number of people living in a particular area or region. This can occur due to various reasons such as war, famine, disease, or emigration. When an area is depopulated, it often leads to social and economic challenges, including an aging population, decreased labor force, and abandoned properties. The term is frequently used in discussions about urban decline or areas substantially affected by human conflict.

Synonyms

contracted, diminished, reduced, thinned.

Examples of usage

  • The war depopulated many towns in the region.
  • Nature depopulated the area after the earthquake.
  • Economic hardships have depopulated rural communities.
  • She studied how industrialization depopulated the countryside.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Events

  • Many areas in the United States faced depopulation during the Great Depression when people lost jobs and moved away.
  • Wars often lead to depopulation, as seen in regions affected by long conflicts, causing individuals to flee to safer areas.

Environmental Impact

  • Natural disasters, like hurricanes and floods, can cause depopulation as people leave their homes for safety.
  • Climate change is projected to cause further depopulation in vulnerable coastal cities as they become uninhabitable.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In literature, depopulated places often symbolize loss or isolation, reflecting on the emotional and psychological aspects of empty spaces.
  • Ghost towns in the American West are often romanticized in films, highlighting the frontier spirit and the consequences of rapid change.

Psychology

  • People living in depopulated areas may experience feelings of loneliness or sadness due to lack of community.
  • Studies show that population decline can lead to increased mental health issues among remaining residents due to isolation.

Origin of 'depopulated'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the prefix 'de-' meaning removal, and 'populate', which means to fill with people.
  • The word has roots in Latin, where 'populatus' means 'to make a people'.

The term 'depopulate' originates from the Latin root 'populus', meaning 'people'. The prefix 'de-' indicates removal or reduction. The word has evolved in English usage, with its first recorded use in the late 19th century to describe areas that have experienced a significant loss of inhabitants, usually as a result of external factors such as natural disasters, economic shifts, or social upheaval. The concept has remained relevant as demographic studies analyze patterns of migration, urbanization, and population dynamics within different regions. Over time, 'depopulate' has been used in various contexts, including discussions around urban planning, environmental studies, and even fictional narratives portraying post-apocalyptic scenarios where cities and towns are left barren.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,126, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.