Pauperize: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in historical or sociopolitical contexts and commonly in discussions around systematic disempowerment leading to extreme poverty.

• Colonial exploitation served to pauperize entire regions, stripping them of resources and wealth.
• Aggressive taxation policies have the potential to pauperize small businesses.

Often employed to describe a process or action that leads to poverty, whether it's an economic policy, personal circumstances, or environmental factors.

• Deforestation continues to impoverish rural communities by depleting their natural resources.
• The war has impoverished an already struggling nation.

Commonly used in financial or business contexts to indicate a person or entity that cannot pay outstanding debts.

• The company went bankrupt after years of mismanagement and declining sales.
• Filing for bankruptcy was the only viable option left for the struggling entrepreneur.

Used to describe a state of extreme poverty where someone lacks the means to meet basic needs like food and shelter.

• The charity provides support and resources to destitute families in the area.
• After losing his job and home, he found himself destitute and living on the streets.