ETYM Latin destitutus, p. p. of destituere to set away, leave alone, forsake; de + statuere to set. Related to Statute.
Poor enough to need help from others; SYN. impoverished, indigent, necessitous, needy, poverty-stricken.

1. To leave destitute; to forsake; to abandon.
2. To make destitute; to cause to be in want; to deprive.