uproot

[ uhp-root, -root ]

verb (used with object)

1. to pull out by or as if by the roots: root:

   The hurricane uprooted many trees and telephone poles.

2. to remove violently or tear away from a native place or environment:

   The industrial revolution uprooted large segments of the rural population.

3. to destroy or eradicate as if by pulling out roots: root:

   The conquerors uprooted many of the Native traditions.

   Synonyms: remove, eliminate, banish, extirpate

4. to displace, as from a home or country; tear away, as from customs or a way of life:

   to uproot a people.

verb (used without object)

1. to become uprooted.

uproot

/ ʌpˈruːt /

verb

1. to pull up by or as if by the roots
2. to displace (a person or persons) from native or habitual surroundings
3. to remove or destroy utterly

Derived Forms

• upˈrootedness, noun
• upˈrooter, noun

Other Words From

• up·rooted·ness noun
• up·rooter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uproot¹

First recorded in 1610–20; up- + root ²

Example Sentences

He and many others ultimately signed a severance agreement because they were unable to decide so quickly whether to uproot their lives, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

A widespread uprooting of families and innocents as a heedless and heartless deportation policy drives a scythe through immigrant communities.

From Los Angeles Times

He was angry that I even considered uprooting our empty nest for such a pursuit.

From Salon

He says his sense of security has been repeatedly uprooted.

From BBC

A week of hundreds killed, many wounded, and thousands uprooted from their homes.

From BBC

Related Words

• annihilate
• demolish
• displace
• eradicate
• exterminate
• overthrow
• overturn
• wipe out