deforestation
dee-for-uh-STAY-shun
/ˌdiːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃən/
The action of clearing a wide area of trees, typically to make way for agriculture or urban development.
Specifically refers to the permanent removal of forest cover; it is more than just cutting down a few trees—it is a change in land use.
The story behind the word. Formed by adding the prefix 'de-' (meaning removal) to 'forest'. The word gained prominence in the 19th century as industrial-scale logging began to visibly alter the landscape of North America and Europe.
Word relationships
- clearance: A more general term for removing obstacles or vegetation, not specific to forests.
- reforestation: The act of replanting an area with trees.
Commonly confused with
- degradation: Deforestation is the total removal of trees, while degradation is the decline in the forest's health or quality.
Word family
- deforest (verb): To clear of forests or trees.
Collocations
- rapid deforestation
- combat deforestation
- tropical deforestation
Example sentences
- "Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has reached its highest level in over a decade." Environmental impact report
- "The primary cause of deforestation in Southeast Asia is the expansion of palm oil plantations." Scientific literature
Memory hook
Think of 'DE-foresting' as 'DE-leting' the forest. DE-forest = DE-lete trees.
When not to use
Do not use for the natural death of trees due to disease or fire, unless humans are the primary drivers of the clearing.
Fun facts
- About 31% of Earth's land area is covered by forests, but we lose an area the size of Panama every year.
Related words
Explore more words
deforest, logging, reforestation, timber, silviculture, wildfire
Also appears in
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