Definition

1. Verb:
   • To remove the tusks from an animal: The action of cutting off or extracting the long, pointed teeth, typically ivory tusks, from an animal such as an elephant or walrus.

Usage

• The verb "detusk" describes a specific, often surgical or controlled, procedure. It is primarily used in contexts involving wildlife management, veterinary science, or anti-poaching efforts to prevent animals from being killed for their ivory.
• It is a transitive verb and must be followed by a direct object (the animal).

Examples

• Verb:
  • Conservationists decided to detusk the rhinoceros to protect it from poachers.
  • The procedure to detusk an elephant is complex and requires skilled veterinarians.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in passive constructions to describe the state of the animal.
  • The detusked elephant could no longer dig for water or strip bark from trees as effectively.

Variants and Related Words

• Tusk (noun): The long, pointed tooth that is removed.
• Tusk (verb): The act of goring or piercing with a tusk. (Note: This is distinct from "detusk," which means to the tusk).
• Detusked (adjective): Describing an animal that has had its tusks removed.

Synonyms

• Dehorn: To remove the horns of an animal. (Used analogously for similar procedures on different body parts).
• Disarm: In a figurative sense, to make less dangerous or to remove a means of attack. (e.g., )

Related Phrases

• While "detusk" itself is not commonly part of phrasal verbs or idioms, it is central to phrases describing conservation tactics.
  • To be detusked: The state of having undergone the procedure.

    • The herd was detusked as a last resort to ensure their survival.

Verb

1. remove the tusks of animals
   • tusk an elephant