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

A research paper titled "Targeted recruitment of immune effector cells for rapid eradication of influenza virus infections" has been published in the peer-reviewed Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

From Science Daily

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

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

From BBC

Certainly, a larger war will spread Israel thin, especially when it has yet to achieve the eradication of Hamas in Gaza.

From BBC

The number of nests so far discovered in the UK is down on 2023, but many beekeepers are sceptical eradication can ever happen.

From BBC

Related Words

• destruction
• elimination