eradication

[ ih-rad-i-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the complete removal, destruction, or erasure of something:

   While I don't expect the eradication of poverty, I think that these social programs will have some positive impact.

   Permanent eradication of an invasive species is time-consuming and often expensive.

2. the act or process of pulling or digging up a plant by the roots:

   Two other cocaine-producing nations have avoided use of chemical herbicides on coca crops, preferring manual eradication instead.

Word History and Origins

Origin of eradication¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin ērādīcātiōn-, stem of ērādīcātiō, from ērādīcāre “to root out”; eradicate ( def )

Example Sentences

For a sense of what this eradication would mean under Trump — his platform is thin on details — a key source is Project 2025, a conservative blueprint pulled together by the Heritage Foundation.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, operations by the state Department of Justice’s Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis program, or EPIC, have seized about 77,000 cannabis plants in 36 counties this year.

From Los Angeles Times

Iran does not recognise Israel's right to exist and seeks its eradication.

From BBC

But what about those who may argue the eradication process is cruel?

From BBC

“This should be a wake-up call for all parents and communities,” Ms Ayesha Raza Farooq, Pakistan Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, said recently.

From BBC

Related Words

• destruction
• elimination