de·plete
(dĭ-plēt́)
[Latin dēplēre, dēplēt-, to empty, dē-, de-, + plēre, to fill.]
transitive verb: -plet·ed, -plet·ing, -pletes.
- To decrease the fullness of; use up or empty out.
derivatives
- de·plet́a·ble
- adjective
synonyms:
deplete, drain, exhaust, impoverish, enervate These verbs all mean to weaken severely by removing something essential. Deplete refers to using up gradually and only hints at harmful consequences: The campers' food supply was quickly depleted. Drain suggests gradual drawing off and harm: War often drains a nation's economy. Exhaust stresses reduction to a point of uselessness: “The resources of civilization are not yet exhausted” (William Ewart Gladstone) Impoverish refers to severe reduction of resources or essential qualities: “His death has eclipsed the gaiety of nations, and impoverished the public stock of harmless pleasure” (Samuel Johnson) Enervate refers to weakening or destruction of vitality or strength: Idleness enervates the will to succeed.
