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Impoverish: meaning, definitions and examples

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impoverish

 

[ɪmˈpɑːvərɪʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

financial

To make someone or something poor, especially by taking away possessions or reducing income.

Synonyms

bankrupt, deprive, pauperize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impoverish

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.
deprive

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.
pauperize

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.
bankrupt

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.

Examples of usage

  • He felt that the war would impoverish the country.
  • The economic policies were likely to impoverish the already vulnerable population.
  • Cutting off aid will only further impoverish the region.
Context #2 | Verb

quality

To make something weaker or less effective.

Synonyms

diminish, impair, weaken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impoverish

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
weaken

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
diminish

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

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

Examples of usage

  • The lack of resources will impoverish the educational system.
  • The constant stress can impoverish one's health.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'impoverire', which means 'to make poor', combining 'in' (not) with 'pauper' (poor).
  • The term has been used in English since the late 15th century, often in the context of economic hardship.

Socioeconomics

  • Impoverishment can result from various factors, including natural disasters, economic recession, and poor government policies.
  • In many developing nations, systemic issues like lack of education and access to healthcare contribute significantly to impoverishment.

Literature

  • Impoverishment often serves as a theme in classic literature, highlighting social disparity and human suffering, as seen in works by Charles Dickens.
  • Poets and novelists have depicted the emotional and cultural impacts of becoming impoverished, exploring loss of identity and community.

Psychology

  • Experiencing impoverishment can lead to mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, due to stress from financial instability.
  • Studies show that individuals facing economic hardships may exhibit lower life satisfaction and decreased overall wellbeing.

Global Perspectives

  • In discussions about poverty alleviation, strategies often focus not only on financial aid but also on empowering communities to break the cycle of impoverishment.
  • International organizations aim to combat impoverishment through education, job creation, and sustainable development initiatives.

Translations

Translations of the word "impoverish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 empobrecer

🇮🇳 दरिद्र करना

🇩🇪 verarmen

🇮🇩 memiskinkan

🇺🇦 збіднювати

🇵🇱 zubożyć

🇯🇵 貧しくする (まずしくする)

🇫🇷 appauvrir

🇪🇸 empobrecer

🇹🇷 fakirleştirmek

🇰🇷 가난하게 하다

🇸🇦 إفقار

🇨🇿 zchudnout

🇸🇰 ochudobniť

🇨🇳 使贫困 (shǐ pínkùn)

🇸🇮 obubožati

🇮🇸 gera fátækt

🇰🇿 кедейлендіру

🇬🇪 გაღარიბება (gagaribeba)

🇦🇿 fakirleştirmək

🇲🇽 empobrecer

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,005 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.