desiccate

/ˈdɛsɪkeɪt/
verb
  1. To remove all moisture from something; to dry out completely.
    • The sun and wind desiccate the soil, making it hard for plants to grow.
    • In the lab, scientists use a special machine to desiccate samples for preservation.
    • The prolonged drought desiccated the once-lush farmland.
  2. To lose all moisture; to become completely dry.
    • The fruit slices desiccate in the dehydrator, turning into chewy snacks.
    • Without rain, the riverbed will desiccate into a dusty trench.
    • The old leather book cover began to desiccate and crack over time.
  3. To deprive of vitality, spirit, or interest; to make dull or lifeless.
    • The boring lecture desiccated the students' enthusiasm for the subject.
    • Years of repetitive office work seemed to desiccate his creativity.
    • Constant criticism can desiccate a person's self-confidence.
What does "desiccate" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean