denude

verb

de·​nude di-ˈn(y)üd How to pronounce denude (audio)
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 noun
denudement noun

Examples of denude in a Sentence

Excessive logging has denuded the hillside of trees.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead of Black life maimed, denuded of dignity, and degraded, each portrait that makes up I, Narcissus is a study of delicious glamour. Essence, 5 Nov. 2024 Working with community leaders, Zhou's efforts have resulted in a significant decrease of ceremonial releases, denuding of wild populations and mistreated animals. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Sep. 2024 Biologists are concerned that if the fire burns intensely in the watershed, denuded earth and ash could fill the creeks when rains come, seriously harming water quality and potentially killing fish. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2024 The rationale is likely that Russia’s fighting capabilities will be denuded enough to justify the expense. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for denude 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of denude was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near denude

Cite this Entry

“Denude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denude. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

denude

verb
de·​nude di-ˈn(y)üd How to pronounce denude (audio)
denuded; denuding
: to strip of covering : lay bare
erosion that denudes the rocks of soil
denudation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on denude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!