Words / C1

i-RAD-ik-ayt/ɪˈrædɪkeɪt/

To eradicate is to destroy or remove something completely: eradicate a disease, eradicate poverty (often aspirational). Wipe out is everyday and blunter; eliminate is a close cousin; destroy is broader. Eradication is the noun. In speech, wipe out or get rid of completely is enough. Eradicate is strong and often public-health or policy. Do not use it for deleting a typo.

Meaning

To destroy or remove something completely.

Examples

• “The campaign aims to eradicate the disease.”
• “The campaign aims to eradicate the disease from the valley within five years.”
• “You cannot eradicate disagreement from a staff meeting; you can chair it.”

Good to know

Wipe out completely. Everyday: wipe out / get rid of. Close: eliminate. Noun: eradication. Strong; policy and health. Not a small deletion.

Near in meaning

eliminate

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