What is "defoliating"

Usage examples of "defoliating".

Ever since Doradus IV, when the Navy had destroyed an entire sentient population while defoliating the world prior to mining it—from the air Doradusians bore a striking resemblance to cabbages—a number of alien worlds had closed their doors to the Republic's commerce.

Actually, it’s a scheme to address our mammoth coke jones by defoliating the coca fields of Colombia.

Do I ask you whether you're certain you're bombing the right country or defoliating the right jungles?