eradicate

[ ih-rad-i-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, e·rad·i·cat·ed, e·rad·i·cat·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• eˌradiˈcation, noun
• eˈradiˌcator, noun
• eˈradicable, adjective
• eˈradicably, adverb
• eˈradicative, adjective

Other Words From

• e·rad·i·cant [ih-, rad, -i-k, uh, nt], adjective noun
• e·rad·i·ca·tion [ih-rad-i-, key, -sh, uh, n], noun
• e·rad·i·ca·tive adjective
• e·rad·i·ca·tor noun
• non·e·rad·i·ca·tive adjective
• un·e·rad·i·cat·ed adjective
• un·e·rad·i·ca·tive adjective

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

While China claims to have eradicated extreme poverty, millions of labourers and factory workers across the country, those who contributed to China’s rise, will worry what about what’s to come.

From BBC

The vast majority of health experts champion inoculations for their long history of success - guarding against dangerous diseases and even eradicating deadly smallpox.

From BBC

The fascist leader must construct scary enemies for the followers to fear because the only way he achieves power is to promise he alone can eradicate the threat.

From Salon

“What I’m saying is the combination of special operations and drones, I think, could eradicate the manufacturing facilities, kill the distribution networks, and make a real dent in what is a terrorist activity.”

From Salon

It has been the subject of a global vaccination campaign for decades and has been mostly eradicated.

From BBC

Related Words

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