Talk:depauperize

This definition seem to be the antonym of the true meaning. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition (as just one of many available examples) to depauperize means to make depauperate. Depauperate means impoverished.118.209.58.216 03:48, 14 July 2014 (UTC)


 * Perhaps the "free from poverty" sense arose by confusion. See the book citation I've added. Equinox ◑ 19:49, 14 July 2014 (UTC)


 * According to the OED, the "free from poverty" sense is ten years older than the synonym of depauperate. (1863:  B. Jerrold:  Signals of Distress page 303:  "The boys in this union will never be depauperized; they have to mix with the men, most of whom are gaol-birds.")
 * Although the OED inserts a hyphen for clarity, and I would recommend doing the same for this sense, the cites are hyphenless, so we can't make the distinction that I would prefer.   D b f  i  r  s   19:58, 14 July 2014 (UTC)