Eradicate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
eradicate
[ษชหrรฆdษชหkeษชt ]
Definition
to eliminate completely
To eradicate means to completely destroy or get rid of something. It is often used in the context of diseases, pests, or problems. Eradicate implies a thorough removal, leaving nothing behind.
Synonyms
annihilate, eliminate, exterminate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
eradicate |
Used when referring to the complete removal or destruction of something, often in contexts like diseases, social issues, or pests.
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eliminate |
Commonly used to describe the process of removing or getting rid of something, especially problems, obstacles, or unwanted elements. Itโs less intense than 'annihilate' or 'exterminate'.
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exterminate |
Often used in the context of killing off unwanted pests or a population of creatures. It implies a thorough and often ruthless removal.
|
annihilate |
Used when talking about completely destroying something so that nothing remains, often associated with war, extreme destruction, or competitive contexts. The word has a strong, often negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- Efforts to eradicate malaria have been ongoing for years.
- The government is determined to eradicate corruption in the country.
- We must eradicate all traces of the invasive species to protect the ecosystem.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health
- In medicine, eradicating a disease means completely eliminating it, such as the efforts to eradicate diseases like smallpox.
- Vaccination campaigns have successfully eradicated several infectious diseases in specific regions, showcasing the practical application of this concept.
Environmental Science
- In ecology, eradication refers to the removal of invasive species to protect native plants and animals, preventing disruption of local ecosystems.
- Successful eradication of certain pests has led to recovery of affected ecosystems and species.
Literature
- Many literary works explore themes of eradication, such as oppression or the loss of cultureโshowing the emotional impact of removing significant aspects of life.
- In dystopian fiction, the concept of eradicating undesirable traits or populations often serves as a warning about totalitarianism.
Technology
- In the tech world, 'to eradicate' can refer to removing bugs or vulnerabilities in software, ensuring it runs smoothly and securely.
- Companies often develop sophisticated algorithms to efficiently eradicate spam, maintaining a clean user experience in digital communication.
Origin of 'eradicate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'eradicare', where 'e' means 'out' and 'radix' means 'root', giving the idea of pulling something out by its roots.
- It has been used in English since the early 1600s, originally referring to the act of pulling out plants.
The word 'eradicate' comes from the Latin word 'eradicatus', which means 'rooted out'. The term has been used in English since the mid-16th century. The concept of eradicating something has been important throughout history, whether in the context of diseases, pests, or social issues.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #14,104, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
- ...
- 14101 soaring
- 14102 dormitory
- 14103 armored
- 14104 eradicate
- 14105 frighten
- 14106 scratching
- 14107 appreciative
- ...