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

To uproot them takes an extraordinary event or set of events, even a global catastrophe.

From Salon

They wanted to preserve it to inform, educate and improve mankind, even if they had to send out hunting parties and specimen collectors to kill animals, uproot plants and put them all in front of a painted backdrop and behind glass to do it.

From Los Angeles Times

Supreme Court has upheld legislation suppressing political opposition, banning Chinese immigrants, unilaterally modifying treaties to uproot Native lands, and authorizing indefinite military detention of U.S. citizens because of their Japanese ancestry.

From Slate

In 2021, then-CEO Bob Chapek and parks and experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced plans to relocate employees supporting Disney theme parks and resorts — including the celebrated Imagineers — to a planned $1-billion office park in the Lake Nona area of Orlando, Fla. The move was designed for Disney to take advantage of Florida tax credits, but the cross-country shift was deeply unpopular among employees who were asked to uproot their lives in Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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