deplete

[dih-pleet]

verb (used with object)

depleted, depleting 

1. to decrease seriously or exhaust the abundance or supply of.

   The fire had depleted the game in the forest. Extravagant spending soon depleted his funds.

   Synonyms: lessen, consume, reduce, drain

deplete

/ dɪˈpliːt /

verb

1. to use up (supplies, money, energy, etc); reduce or exhaust

2. to empty entirely or partially

3. med to empty or reduce the fluid contents of (an organ or vessel)

Other Word Forms

• depletable adjective
• depletion noun
• depletive adjective
• depletory adjective
• nondepletable adjective
• nondepletion noun
• nondepletive adjective
• nondepletory adjective
• predeplete verb (used with object)
• predepletion noun
• undepleted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deplete¹

1800–10; < Latin dēplētus empty (past participle of dēplēre to empty out), equivalent to dē- de- + plē ( re ) to fill + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of deplete¹

C19: from Latin dēplēre to empty out, from _de- + plēre to fill

Example Sentences

The Colorado River, which provides water across the Southwest, has lost about 20% of its flow in the last quarter-century, and its depleted reservoirs continue to decline.

From Los Angeles Times

The tight end room he took over was totally depleted of talent.

From Los Angeles Times

Three years ago countries agreed that 30% of the world's national and international waters - high seas - must be protected by 2030 to help depleted marine life recover.

From BBC

After a series of dry years, heavy snowpack in the Rocky Mountains in 2023 brought some relief to the depleted reservoirs.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to the melting of glaciers and ice caps, many regions are getting drier and depleting their groundwater.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bankrupt 
• decrease 
• diminish 
• drain 
• empty 
• expend 
• impoverish 
• lessen 
• reduce 
• sap 
• squander 
• undermine 
• use up 
• weaken