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

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

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

Future nations will know by history only that the loathsome small-pox has existed and by you has been extirpated.

From Time

Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott has revamped the HR operation and strived to open lines of communication, though the climate of paranoia instilled by late network founder Roger Ailes will take years to extirpate.

From Washington Post

He had, moreover, the adroitness to extirpate that rivalry which alone destroys all united effort.

From Project Gutenberg

After a reaction Louis renewed his efforts to extirpate the iniquity, and his son Philip continued to inflict severe penalties.

From Project Gutenberg

Many causes have combined to extirpate the shy and spirited fish.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the most pathetic of human fallacies is the assumption that you have only to pass a law in order to extirpate an evil.

From Project Gutenberg

Grant us to extirpate these impious Mahometans, and to overturn their empire.

From Project Gutenberg