uproot

American  

[uhp-root, -root] / ʌpˈrut, -ˈrʊt /

verb (used with object)

1. to pull out by or as if by the roots: root.

   The hurricane uprooted many trees and telephone poles.

2. to remove violently or tear away from a native place or environment.

   The industrial revolution uprooted large segments of the rural population.

3. to destroy or eradicate as if by pulling out roots: root.

   The conquerors uprooted many of the Native traditions.

   Synonyms:

   remove, eliminate, banish, extirpate

4. to displace, as from a home or country; tear away, as from customs or a way of life.

   to uproot a people.

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verb (used without object)

1. to become uprooted.

uproot British  

/ ʌpˈruːt /

verb

1. to pull up by or as if by the roots

2. to displace (a person or persons) from native or habitual surroundings

3. to remove or destroy utterly

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Other Word Forms

• uprootedness noun
• uprooter noun

Etymology

Origin of uproot

First recorded in 1610–20; up- + root ²

Example Sentences

I didn’t fold myself into a smaller version to fit the space; I instead arrived with a hint of defiance and the enduring belief that being uprooted doesn’t have to mean being undone.

From Los Angeles Times

Many Venezuelans who left much earlier—some decades ago—say it is hard to imagine uprooting from their adopted home.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Dad says he’s hesitant to “uproot” me.

From Literature

We must be in the hole of an uprooted tree, buried in fallen trees, he thought.

From Literature

It meant completely uprooting her life and also focusing on a singular character for an extended period of time.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annihilate
• demolish
• displace
• eradicate
• exterminate
• overthrow
• overturn
• wipe out