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

Not by giving away free stuff, but by rolling up our sleeves and doing the hard and expensive work of drug discovery and disease eradication.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A programme of rat eradication began in 2017 and winter grazing has now been implemented to keep vegetation low, so predator cover is reduced.

Read more on BBC

Plan Colombia helped the economy and reduced violence overall, but it also displaced large numbers of people, and the drug eradication program was an environmental disaster.

Read more on Salon

Possums are the initial target for eradication here.

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The conservancy “should be attempting every possible alternative before resorting to their eradication,” Hahn said, pointing to expanded hunting seasons, relocation and sterilization.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• destruction 
• elimination