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Eradicate: meaning, definitions and examples

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eradicate

 

[ɪˈrædɪˌkeɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

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?

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Word Description / Examples
eradicate

Used when referring to the complete removal or destruction of something, often in contexts like diseases, social issues, or pests.

  • Efforts are being made to eradicate malaria in this region.
  • We aim to eradicate poverty in our community.
eliminate

Commonly used to describe the process of removing or getting rid of something, especially problems, obstacles, or unwanted elements. It’s less intense than 'annihilate' or 'exterminate'.

  • We need to eliminate all errors before launching the software.
  • The competitor was eliminated from the race.
exterminate

Often used in the context of killing off unwanted pests or a population of creatures. It implies a thorough and often ruthless removal.

  • The company was hired to exterminate the rats in the building.
  • Historical records show how entire villages were exterminated.
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.

  • The bomb could annihilate the entire city.
  • They were annihilated in the final match.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 culture—showing 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "eradicate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 erradicar

🇮🇳 समूल नष्ट करना

🇩🇪 ausrotten

🇮🇩 memberantas

🇺🇦 викорінювати

🇵🇱 wykorzenić

🇯🇵 根絶する

🇫🇷 éradiquer

🇪🇸 erradicar

🇹🇷 kökünü kazımak

🇰🇷 근절하다

🇸🇦 استئصال

🇨🇿 vyhubit

🇸🇰 vykoreniť

🇨🇳 根除

🇸🇮 izkoreniniti

🇮🇸 útrýma

🇰🇿 жою

🇬🇪 ამოღება

🇦🇿 kökləmək

🇲🇽 erradicar

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.