'depopulate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'depopulare,' where 'de-' meant 'down from' and 'populus' meant 'people.'

'depopulare' transformed into the French word 'dépeupler,' and eventually became the modern English word 'depopulate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to reduce the number of people,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.