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Synonyms

deplete

American  
[dih-pleet] / dɪˈplit /

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 British  
/ 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)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Etymology

Origin of deplete

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Energy recovery and deployment are central to performance with engines that are served of electrical energy, and the battery is depleted and recharged on virtually every straight.

From BBC

Its reliance on imports has been increasing as domestic oil and gas fields such as the North Sea basin deplete and climate policies phase out dirtier fuels including coal.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many are contending with depleted savings, fewer job opportunities, and slower income growth—all of which are “gradually eroding purchasing power,” says Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon.

From Barron's

Many are contending with depleted savings, fewer job opportunities, and slower income growth—all of which are “gradually eroding purchasing power,” says Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon.

From Barron's

The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance trust fund, which pays out retiree and survivor benefits, is expected to be depleted by the fourth quarter of 2032, according to Social Security’s chief actuary.

From MarketWatch