deplete
Translation
to use up, to exhaust, to reduce
Examples
The war depleted the country's resources.
The war depleted the country's resources.
Overfishing can deplete fish populations.
Overfishing can deplete fish populations.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to use up the supply of (sth.) The war depleted the country's resources.
Similar Words
Synonyms: exhaust, use up, consume; Antonyms: replenish, increase, augment
Etymology
From Latin 'de-' (away) + 'plere' (to fill). Literally 'to un-fill'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'de-' as 'down' and 'plete' like 'complete'. You're taking the completeness down, or emptying it.