Erasure: meaning, definitions and examples

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erasure

[ɪˈreɪʒər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

music

The removal of recorded material from a magnetic tape or digital recording.

Synonyms

deletion, eradication, removal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
erasure	Erasure is typically used in formal contexts, often referring to the complete removal of something from existence or memory. The erasure of ancient texts has left historians with many unanswered questions
deletion	Deletion is often used in digital contexts, referring to removing files, data, or text. She was careful to avoid the accidental deletion of important emails
removal	Removal is a general term that can be used in many contexts, from taking away physical objects to eliminating abstract concepts like duties or rights. The removal of the old furniture made space for the new decor
eradication	Eradication is used primarily when talking about removing or destroying something completely, especially diseases or social issues. The eradication of smallpox is considered a major medical achievement

Examples of usage

The engineer used erasure to clean up the vocal track.
The erasure of the unwanted noise improved the overall sound quality.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

history

The removal of all traces of something; obliteration.

Synonyms

elimination, eradication, extinction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
erasure	Use 'erasure' when referring to the act of removing or deleting something written, recorded, or drawn. This word is often used in the context of documents, writings, or records. The erasure of the text made the document unreadable. She requested the erasure of her personal data from the database.
elimination	Use 'elimination' when talking about the process of completely removing or getting rid of something. This term is often used in competitive contexts, or to indicate removing harmful entities. The elimination of the weakest link ensured the team’s success. The company aims for the elimination of all unnecessary expenses.
extinction	Use 'extinction' when referring to the complete disappearance of a species or a group of something. This term is mostly used in an ecological or biological context. The extinction of the dinosaurs happened millions of years ago. Many species are facing the threat of extinction due to human activities.
eradication	Use 'eradication' when referring to the complete destruction or removal of something, typically something harmful or undesirable. This word is common in medical, agricultural, or social issues. The eradication of the disease saved many lives. Efforts are being made towards the eradication of poverty.

Examples of usage

The erasure of the historical documents was a deliberate attempt to rewrite history.
The erasure of the ancient ruins left behind no evidence of the civilization.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

technology

The process of clearing data from a storage device.

Synonyms

cleansing, purging, wiping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
erasure	Often used in formal or technical settings to describe the act of removing or deleting something, typically data or information. The erasure of the data was necessary to protect our privacy The artist's work focused on the theme of cultural erasure
wiping	Casual term for cleaning or removing something, often used in everyday situations. It is less formal and more specific to physical cleaning or data deletion. He was wiping the dirt off the table Make sure you are wiping your computer's hard drive securely before selling it
purging	Often denotes the act of removing unwanted elements or impurities, typically has a strong or thorough connotation and can have negative implications, especially when referring to the removal of people or ideas. The system requires a regular purging of old files She was purging her closet of outdated clothing
cleansing	Used in various contexts, often indicating the act of cleaning or purifying something; can be used metaphorically or literally. Note that it might have negative connotations if used in the context of 'ethnic cleansing'. A deep cleansing of the skin is essential for maintaining good health The city underwent a cleansing to remove all traces of pollution

Examples of usage

The erasure of the hard drive was necessary to protect sensitive information.
Data erasure is an important step before disposing of old electronic devices.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term comes from the Latin word 'erasure', which means ‘to scrape off’ or ‘to erase’.
Originally used in legal contexts, it referred to the act of striking out text or information.
The use of erasure in art emerged around the late 20th century, symbolizing loss and absence.

Literature

In literature, erasure can refer to a technique where authors delete parts of a text to create a new narrative or meaning.
Erasure poetry involves selecting words from existing texts to form a new poem, showing how absence can lead to new interpretations.
Famous works like 'The Erasure Project' challenge readers to consider what is left unsaid or removed from texts.

Psychology

Psychologically, the concept of erasure relates to memory, as people often forget experiences over time, leading to what psychologists call 'memory erasure'.
The phenomenon of repressing traumatic memories can be seen as a form of psychological erasure that seeks to protect the mind.
Collective erasure occurs when societies forget or ignore aspects of their history, affecting cultural identity.

Pop Culture

In film and literature, themes of erasure often explore the impact of forgetting on personal and societal levels.
The phrase 'erase history' is frequently used in discussions about censorship and the digital age, where information can be lost or altered.
Certain characters in popular media have undergone literal erasure, representing how identity and existence can be threatened or diminished.

Science

In neuroscience, erasure can refer to the process that happens when memories fade or are no longer accessible.
Researchers are exploring ways to intentionally erase specific traumatic memories through techniques like targeted brain stimulation.
Environmental science faces the challenge of historical erasure as ecosystems and species disappear, raising awareness about conservation.

Translations

Translations of the word "erasure" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apagamento

🇮🇳 मिटाना

🇩🇪 Löschung

🇮🇩 penghapusan

🇺🇦 стирання

🇵🇱 wymazanie

🇯🇵 抹消

🇫🇷 effacement

🇪🇸 borrado

🇹🇷 silme

🇰🇷 삭제

🇸🇦 محو

🇨🇿 vymazání

🇸🇰 vymazanie

🇨🇳 擦除

🇸🇮 brisanje

🇮🇸 eyðing

🇰🇿 өшіру

🇬🇪 წაშლა

🇦🇿 silinmə

🇲🇽 borrado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,508, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
21505 coop
21506 amplifying
21507 flavoring
21508 erasure
21509 barony
21510 curtailing
21511 veined
...