impoverish
verb (used with object)
to reduce to poverty.
has impoverished
-
present perfectof impoverish (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
The country of some 6 million is in the throes of an economic crisis that has impoverished three-quarters of its population.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 1, 2023
The currency collapsed on Thursday to a new record low of 50,000 Lebanese pounds to the dollar, marking a devaluation of more than 95% since 2019 that has impoverished the nation.
From Reuters ● Jan. 20, 2023
Like many of her neighbors, she is conflicted: The lack of water has impoverished the valley yet kept it undeveloped.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2022
Your practice of doing this has impoverished you and might have contributed to his problems.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 29, 2022
The elderly gentleman here interrupted the conversation by saying, abruptly, "I am a townsman of Mr. Stanton's, and it is my opinion that he has impoverished himself by giving in religious charity."
From The May Flower, and Miscellaneous Writings by Harriet Beecher Stowe
