Words / C2

ik-SPUNJ/ɪkˈspʌndʒ/

Expunge means remove completely, especially from a record (formal): expunge a remark from the minutes. Delete and erase are everyday; strike out is legal-ish. Expunge suggests it should not even remain as a trace. Expel is throw a person out. Do not expunge a stain in laundry English — that is remove or treat.

Meaning

To remove something completely, especially from an official record (formal).

Examples

• “The court expunged the remark from the transcript.”
• “The chair asked to expunge the aside from the official note.”
• “A spent conviction may be expunged; gossip is not a court record.”

Good to know

Wipe wholly from a record (formal). Everyday: delete/erase. Mix-up: expel (eject a person). Laundry: remove, not expunge.

Near in meaning

erase

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