Impoverish: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe a situation where someone or something becomes very poor or is made to lose financial stability. It can apply to individuals, communities, or even countries.

• The war has the potential to impoverish thousands of families in the region.
• Overfishing can impoverish the marine ecosystem.

Used to describe the act of taking something away from someone or making them go without something they need or enjoy. It doesn't necessarily relate to financial poverty, but rather to the lack of important resources or rights.

• Prisoners were deprived of basic human rights.
• The long winter deprived the village of a good harvest.

An older term, usually used in a formal or somewhat dramatic context to describe making someone extremely poor. Less commonly used in daily conversation.

• The economic policies of the time served only to pauperize the working class.
• War and famine pauperized the entire nation.

Typically used in a legal or financial context, this word is appropriate for describing a person or business that is officially declared insolvent and unable to pay their debts.

• After a series of poor investments, the company went bankrupt.
• Filing for bankruptcy was their only option.

This word is best used when talking about making someone or something very poor, often economically or in terms of resources. It generally has a sense of loss and hardship, creating a picture of severe reduction in quality of life or value.

• The prolonged drought could impoverish the region, leading to widespread hunger and poverty
• The war has impoverished countless families, leaving them without means to sustain themselves

This word is appropriate when discussing the general reduction in strength or durability of something or someone. It can apply to both physical and abstract concepts and often has a negative tone.

• The constant stress has weakened her immune system
• The scandal weakened the politician's reputation

Use this word when talking about decreasing something in size, importance, or intensity. It doesn't necessarily carry a negative connotation and can be more neutral, suggesting a reduction rather than complete deprivation.

• His influence in the company has diminished over the past few years
• The medicine helped to diminish the intensity of her headaches

Impair is used when referring to the weakening or damaging of something, often in terms of functionality or efficiency. This word usually has a negative connotation, indicating harm or reduction in capability.

• Drinking alcohol can impair your ability to drive safely
• The injury impaired his ability to compete in the race