débusquer

to flush out, to root out

verb deh-bus-KEH Rare

Usage Note

débusquer originally meant to drive game out of the undergrowth (buisson); today it is used figuratively to mean tracking down a hidden person or uncovering something concealed — débusquer un mensonge ('to uncover a lie'). The noun buisson (bush) is visible in the root. It is a regular -er verb.

Examples

"La police a réussi à débusquer les suspects."

Natural Translation

The police managed to flush out the suspects.

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