decaffeinate

American  

[dee-kaf-uh-neyt, -kaf-ee-uh-] / diˈkæf əˌneɪt, -ˈkæf i ə- /

verb (used with object)

decaffeinated, decaffeinating

1. to extract caffeine from.

   to decaffeinate coffee.

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decaffeinate British  

/ dɪˈkæfɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to remove all or part of the caffeine from (coffee, tea, etc)

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Other Word Forms

• decaffeination noun
• decaffeinator noun

Etymology

Origin of decaffeinate

First recorded in 1925–30; de- + caffein + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

The Swiss water method, initially used commercially in the early 1980s, uses hot water to decaffeinate coffee.

From Salon • Jul. 23, 2024

After producers decaffeinate coffee beans using methylene chloride, they steam the beans and dry them.

From Salon • Jul. 23, 2024

I found a natural way to decaffeinate a tea: steep for 30 seconds, then toss out the liquid and brew the same tea bag in fresh hot water.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 16, 2023

Founded by Andy Liu, Decafino makes a teabag-like product that can 80 percent decaffeinate any 16-ounce cup of coffee in less than four minutes.

From Slate • Jan. 11, 2023

Since the early 1900s, many methods have been used to decaffeinate coffee.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019