Definition

To remove dead or damaged tissue from a wound to help it heal properly.

Example

The doctor will debride the wound to promote healing.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard the doctor had to debride the wound before it could heal properly.

That sounds painful! Is that a common procedure?

Yeah, it’s often necessary to remove dead tissue to prevent infection.

I guess that makes sense; better to deal with it now than later.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Debride is formed from "de-" (meaning away or removal) and "brider" (from Old French *brider*, meaning to remove or clean). The word "debride" means to remove dead or damaged tissue from a wound.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') something unwanted ('brider') to remember that debride means to clean a wound by taking away damaged tissue.

Visually Confused Words