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Definition of deforest

deforest

/diːˈfɔːr.ɪst/
de · for · est
Adjective:deforested
•
Past Simple:deforested
•
Past Participle:deforested
•
Present Participle:deforesting
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deforest Lexical Profile

deforest Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To clear an area of land of its trees and forest cover, typically to convert it for agriculture, ranching, or urban development.

Example

"Logging companies continue to deforest vast stretches of the tropical basin despite stricter environmental regulations."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for deforest
Antonyms
View all antonyms for deforest

• Rhymes for deforest

• Nearby Words

defogger
defoliant
defoliate
deforest
deforestation
deforester
deform

Word Origin & Etymology

Entered English in the late 19th century, borrowed from French déforester, which goes back to Old French desforester (originally meaning to abolish the legal status of a royal forest), formed from des- and forest.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Deforest. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/deforest
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