extirpate

[ ek-ster-peyt, ik-stur-peyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·tir·pat·ed, ex·tir·pat·ing.

1. to remove or destroy totally; do away with; exterminate.
2. to pull up by or as if by the roots; root up:

   to extirpate an unwanted hair.

extirpate

/ ˈɛkstəˌpeɪt /

verb

1. to remove or destroy completely
2. to pull up or out; uproot
3. to remove (an organ or part) surgically

Derived Forms

• ˌextirˈpation, noun
• ˈextirˌpator, noun
• ˈextirˌpative, adjective

Other Words From

• ex·tir·pa·tion [ek-ster-, pey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• ex·tir·pa·tive adjective
• ex·tir·pa·tor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of extirpate¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin ex(s)tirpātus “plucked up by the stem” (past participle of ex(s)tirpāre ), equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + stirp- (stem of stirps ) “stem” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of extirpate¹

C16: from Latin exstirpāre to root out, from stirps root, stock

Example Sentences

It’s believed the owl with bright yellow eyes has been extirpated from 16% of its range in parts of the coast and Central Valley.

From Los Angeles Times

“As a Californian, I feel it’s my obligation to do everything possible to bring back the extirpated, missing species that are no longer here in a functional way because of human activity.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s unclear what grizzlies of the North Cascades may have eaten before they were extirpated, as little to no data is available on their diets and behaviors.

From Seattle Times

Things have changed a lot since the bears were functionally extirpated from the area.

From Seattle Times

“I don’t want to go so far as to say that the humans are the cause of this variation by extirpating predators,” says Stankowich.

From National Geographic