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Meaning of prune
The primary meaning of the word "prune" is to cut or trim something, especially in order to shape or reduce its size.
Etymology of prune
The word "prune" comes from the Old French word "pruner", which is derived from the Latin word "prunus", meaning "plum tree"
The word has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the act of cutting or trimming trees and shrubs
Over time, the word has also taken on figurative meanings, such as reducing or eliminating something unnecessary or unwanted
Synonyms
trim
cut
clip
shear
lop
chop
slash
sever
amputate
excise
remove
eliminate
reduce
slim
slenderize
pare
dock
curtail
truncate
abbreviate
shorten
condense
abridge
decrease
diminish
lessen
minify
contract
shrink
narrow
thin
weaken
enfeeble
debilitate
cripple
maim
mutilate
disfigure
deform
mar
blemish
scar
deface
dismember
disjoint
detach
separate
divide
split
cleave
sunder
rend
tear
rip
lacerate
gash
slash
hack
hew
Definitions
- To cut or trim (a tree, shrub, or branch) in order to shape it or promote healthy growth
- To reduce or cut down (something) in order to make it more efficient or effective
- To remove or eliminate (something) as unnecessary or unwanted
Usage Examples
- The gardener pruned the rose bush to encourage new growth
- The company pruned its budget to stay afloat during the economic downturn
- She pruned her wardrobe to get rid of clothes she no longer wore