The antonyms for the word "de-populates" include "populates," "settles," and "colonizes." These words all describe the opposite action of de-populating, which is the process of reducing the population of a particular place. When a place is populated, it means that people or animals are living there, and the area is thriving with activity. Settling refers to the process of establishing a new community or place to live in. Colonizing, on the other hand, refers to the process of establishing a colony in a new territory. In short, the antonyms of de-populate signify a more positive and prosperous environment compared to the negative effects of de-populating.