denude

verb

de·​nude di-ˈn(y)üd 

dē-

denuded; denuding

transitive verb

1

: to deprive of something important

2

a

: to strip of all covering or surface layers

b

: to lay bare by erosion

c

: to strip (land) of forests

denudation

ˌdē-(ˌ)n(y)ü-ˈdā-shən 

ˌden-yu̇-

noun

denudement

di-ˈn(y)üd-mənt 

noun

Examples of denude in a Sentence

Excessive logging has denuded the hillside of trees.

Recent Examples on the Web

The rationale is likely that Russia’s fighting capabilities will be denuded enough to justify the expense. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2024

Wildfires can strip trees and burn ground cover, denuding the landscape and leaving it vulnerable to landslides. —Umair Irfan, Vox, 29 May 2024

All looked reasonably healthy, if denuded of tree and shrub cover. —Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024

Photo : David Shepherd, courtesy of Land Rover A swank aesthetic, akin to that of a chic London hotel or lounge, defines the interior, where the Rover denudes the cabin of every possible hard switch. —Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin denudare, from de- + nudus bare — more at naked

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

denude

verb

de·​nude di-ˈn(y)üd 

denuded; denuding

: to strip of covering : lay bare

erosion that denudes the rocks of soil

denudation

ˌdē-(ˌ)n(y)ü-ˈdā-shən 

ˌden-yu̇-

noun