root and branch adjective 1adverb 1 adjective1 •Total, thorough, sweeping, complete, radical, drastic.We had our chance to make incremental changes, but that time is over. Only a root-and-branch transformation of our economies and societies can save us from accelerating climate disaster. — 2022 adverb1 •Totally, completely."I can't help coming, sir," continued Mrs. Parker. "Where am I to go if I don't come? Mr. Lopez, sir, has ruined us root and branch,—root and branch." — 1876
