1. removes leaves from a plant or tree, either naturally or artificially
Usage: third person singular present tense of ‘defoliate’

Examples

• The chemical spray defoliates the trees within hours.
• Acid rain defoliates forests across the region.
• The caterpillar infestation defoliates entire oak groves.
• Winter naturally defoliates deciduous trees.
• The herbicide defoliates weeds but spares the crops.
• Disease defoliates the rose bushes every summer.