extirpate

American  

[ek-ster-peyt, ik-stur-peyt] / ˈɛk stərˌpeɪt, ɪkˈstɜr peɪt /

verb (used with object)

extirpated, extirpating

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.

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extirpate British  

/ ˈɛkstəˌpeɪt /

verb

1. to remove or destroy completely

2. to pull up or out; uproot

3. to remove (an organ or part) surgically

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Other Word Forms

• extirpation noun
• extirpative adjective
• extirpator noun

Etymology

Origin of extirpate

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

Example Sentences

Wildlife officials have collared a dozen gray wolves in Northern California in an effort to better understand and manage the species that has made a comeback in the state after being extirpated a century ago.

From Los Angeles Times

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