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impoverish

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

impoverishment

Main Entry:: im·pov·er·ish
Pronunciation:: \im-ˈpäv-rish, -ˈpä-və-\
Function:: transitive verb
Etymology:: Middle English enpoverisshen, from Anglo-French empoveriss-, stem of empoverir, from en- + povre poor — more at poor
Date:: 15th century

1 : to make poor 2 : to deprive of strength, richness, or fertility by depleting or draining of something essential

synonyms see deplete

— im·pov·er·ish·er noun

— im·pov·er·ish·ment

Listen to the pronunciation of impoverishment

\-mənt\ noun

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