Definition

To make someone or something poor or to take away their wealth or resources.

Example

The economic crisis will impoverish many families in the region.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you heard how overfarming can impoverish the land?

Yeah, I read that it ruins the soil's nutrients over time.

It's really concerning because it affects food production too.

Exactly! We need to find sustainable methods to avoid impoverishing our resources.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Impoverish is formed from "im-" (meaning not) and "pauper" (from Latin, meaning poor). The word describes the act of making someone or something poor or reducing wealth.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('im-') being combined with 'poor' ('pauper') — this helps you remember that impoverish means to make someone poor.

Visually Confused Words