eradicate

[ih-rad-i-keyt]

verb (used with object)

eradicated, eradicating 

1. to remove or destroy utterly; extirpate.

   to eradicate smallpox throughout the world.

   Synonyms: annihilate, exterminate, uproot, obliterate

2. to erase by rubbing or by means of a chemical solvent.

   to eradicate a spot.

3. to pull up by the roots.

   to eradicate weeds.

eradicate

/ ɪˈrædɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to obliterate; stamp out

2. to pull or tear up by the roots

Other Word Forms

• eradication noun
• eradicator noun
• eradicable adjective
• eradicably adverb
• eradicative adjective
• eradicant adjective
• noneradicative adjective
• uneradicated adjective
• uneradicative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eradicate¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin ērādīcātus “rooted out” (past participle of ērādīcāre ), equivalent to ē- e- ¹ + rādīc- (stem of rādīx ) root ¹ + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of eradicate¹

C16: from Latin ērādīcāre to uproot, from _ex- ¹ + rādīx root

Synonym Study

See abolish.

Example Sentences

"If anything, contemporary Chinese history has repeatedly demonstrated that top-down ideological campaigns can hardly eradicate the social roots of problems," says Dr Luo.

From BBC

Before Salt quickly eradicated any doubt over Wednesday's result, Ireland would have felt their 196 in the series opener represented a competitive total.

From BBC

"Putting a person who has faced that on to the street, where they are vulnerable to those things again, we have to try and eradicate."

From BBC

Mexico and Central America to eradicate the New World Screwworm by the 1960s.

From Los Angeles Times

What happened to Mary also happened to Alva: her decision to end her marriage gained her a fortune but eradicated her public standing.

From Salon

Related Words

• abolish 
• annihilate 
• eliminate 
• erase 
• expunge 
• exterminate 
• extinguish 
• stamp out 
• uproot 
• weed out 
• wipe out