C1verbenvironmentnature
US/diːˈfɔːr.ɪst/
UK/diːˈfɒr.ɪst/
to cut down or clear the trees from a large area of land
In context
Farmers deforest large areas of land to grow soybeans and raise cattle.
If we continue to deforest the hills, floods will become more common.
The company was accused of illegally deforesting protected land.
Words that go with deforest
verb + noun
- deforest landLoggers deforest land faster than it can recover.
adjective + noun
- deforested landDeforested land is quickly washed away by heavy rain.
- deforested areaThe deforested area was replanted with native trees last spring.
verb + adverb
- deforest illegallySome companies deforest illegally to save money.
verb + preposition
- deforest for farmingHills were deforested for farming.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Loggers deforestation the hills.Correct: Loggers deforest the hills.