eradicate

[ih-rad-i-keyt]

verb (used with object)

eradicated, eradicating 

1. to remove or destroy utterly; extirpate.

   to eradicate smallpox throughout the world.

   Synonyms: annihilate, exterminate, uproot, obliterate

2. to erase by rubbing or by means of a chemical solvent.

   to eradicate a spot.

3. to pull up by the roots.

   to eradicate weeds.

eradicate

/ ɪˈrædɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to obliterate; stamp out

2. to pull or tear up by the roots

Other Word Forms

• eradicant adjective
• eradication noun
• eradicative adjective
• eradicator noun
• noneradicative adjective
• uneradicated adjective
• uneradicative adjective
• eradicable adjective
• eradicably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of eradicate¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin ērādīcātus “rooted out” (past participle of ērādīcāre ), equivalent to ē- e- ¹ + rādīc- (stem of rādīx ) root ¹ + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of eradicate¹

C16: from Latin ērādīcāre to uproot, from _ex- ¹ + rādīx root

Synonym Study

See abolish.

Example Sentences

Measles had been largely been eradicated but, as the uptake of the jab has fallen, the number of cases has grown.

From BBC

They claim the UK has eradicated the beetle from at risk areas in the east and south east.

From BBC

Think anyone who believes that a childlike openness to play and silliness doesn’t have to be eradicated by maturity.

From Los Angeles Times

The U.S. has eradicated only one human infectious disease, which is smallpox, and that was done through vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From Los Angeles Times

In her proposed budget released in April, Bass called for about 1,600 layoffs as part of a larger strategy to eradicate a $1-billion shortfall.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abolish 
• annihilate 
• eliminate 
• erase 
• expunge 
• exterminate 
• extinguish 
• stamp out 
• uproot 
• weed out 
• wipe out