Deplete
To use up a resource so that little remains; to drain or exhaust something.
verbDeplete
To use up a resource so that little remains; to drain or exhaust something.
verbImagine This
Imagine a reservoir that feeds a town. Each day, water is drawn for irrigation, cooling towers, and households. As days pass, the water level drops, fish grow stressed, and the once-lush shoreline becomes cracked and dry.
Sounds Like
di-PLEET
Looks Like
The root 'plete' appears in 'complete' and 'replete' (sharing the idea of fullness), but 'deplete' means to take away that fullness.
Remember This
Deplete is often used with resources (water, energy, stock). It is related to the noun 'depletion' and the adjective 'depletable.'
Other Forms
Connect With
exhaust, drain, use up, consume; depletion; replenish
Note
Transitive verb: deplete something (of) resources; common in contexts describing diminishing supplies. Distinguish from 'exhaust' in intensity; 'deplete' emphasizes reducing quantity or amount.