degauss

[ dee-gous ]

verb (used with object)

1. to demagnetize (a ship's hull, electrical equipment, etc.) by means of electric coils.

degauss

/ -ˈɡɔːs; diːˈɡaʊs /

verb

1. to neutralize the magnetic field of a ship's hull (as a protection against magnetic mines) using equipment producing an opposing magnetic field
2. another word for demagnetize

degauss

/ dē-gous′ /

1. To neutralize or rebalance the magnetic field of a magnetized object, such as a computer monitor or the read/write head of a disk drive or tape recorder.
2. To erase information from a magnetic disk, tape, or other magnetic storage device.

Word History and Origins

Origin of degauss¹

First recorded in 1935–40; de- + gauss

Example Sentences

A year later, she was in charge of degaussing ships as they entered and exited the Thames estuary.

From Seattle Times

In theory, you could also use a degaussing machine, which uses very strong magnetic fields to erase all forms of magnetic media – disks and tapes.

From The Guardian

Normally, assured destruction means degaussing magnetic media or shredding optical disks.

From Economist