ébrancher

Senses

1. 1.

   to lop off branches

   to remove or cut off branches from a tree

2. 2.

   to strip of branches

   to deprive a tree of its branches

Examples

• "Le forestier a ébranché les arbres endommagés par la tempête."

  The forester lopped branches off the trees damaged by the storm.

• "Il faut ébrancher cet arbre avant l'hiver pour lui donner une meilleure forme."

  You must remove the branches from this tree before winter to give it a better shape.

• "Les ouvriers ont ébranché les peupliers le long de la route."

  The workers stripped branches from the poplars along the road.

Usage

A technical or specialized verb used mainly in forestry and tree management contexts. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation. The prefix é- (out) + brancher (to branch) literally means to "remove from branches."