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

The only disease ever successfully eradicated from the globe, smallpox, was wiped out with shots of a live virus.

From MIT Technology Review

In a June 10 review article in Ear, Nose & Throat Journal, researchers describe evidence that suggests a dilute solution called povidone-iodine might safely eradicate SARS-CoV-2 in the nasal cavity and throat.

From Science News

Fineberg says many of the vaccines that have attracted opposition in the past were for diseases that had been all but eradicated, leading to a sense of complacency, whereas the coronavirus is a near and present danger.

From Ozy

At the same time, we’re carefully resisting the rush to eradicate traditional care models outright.

From Fortune

So we still had a deficit, but it was well under control, and now it’s been virtually eradicated.

From Freakonomics

Simply put, their eradication could have a major effect on the global span of life far beyond the marine habitat.

From The Daily Beast

Is calling for the eradication of Israel—subtly or overtly—potentially injurious?

From The Daily Beast

However both countries are committed to finishing the eradication.

From The Daily Beast

Drum makes the case that intense spending on lead eradication is far more effective than on other pursuits.

From The Daily Beast

The eradication campaign has inspired all sorts of paranoid theories, especially among less-educated Pakistanis.

From The Daily Beast

Christianity nowhere enjoins the eradication of passions and appetites, but the control of them.

From Project Gutenberg

He remembered in that moment of crisis, the distressing propensity of his prisoner to the "eradication of garments."

From Project Gutenberg

“I hope you are not deeply agitated over the eradication of womanliness,” Madeline remonstrated.

From Project Gutenberg

That this vastly increases the difficulty of concerted action looking toward the eradication of crime, is apparent.

From Project Gutenberg

As "perfect love casteth out fear," so does the eradication of fear insure the wooing of perfect love.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• destruction
• elimination