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Extirpate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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extirpate

[ษ›kหˆstษœหrpeษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

remove completely

To extirpate means to completely remove or eradicate something. It is often used in the context of eliminating a species or problem from an environment, or in more abstract terms, to eliminate something undesirable.

Synonyms

destroy, eliminate, eradicate, exterminate.

Examples of usage

  • The invasive species was extirpated from the island.
  • Efforts were made to extirpate corruption from the government.
  • The surgeon aimed to extirpate the tumor from the patient's body.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In ecology, extirpation refers to the local extinction of a species in a specific area, while it may still exist elsewhere.
  • For instance, if a species of fish is extirpated from a lake, it means fish no longer live in that lake, but they might still thrive in other bodies of water.

Medicine

  • In medical terms, extirpation can refer to the removal of unhealthy or diseased tissue from the body, such as during surgery.
  • Surgeons might extirpate tumors to prevent the spread of cancer, stressing the importance of removing harmful elements.

History

  • Throughout history, various efforts to extirpate indigenous practices were made by colonizers, highlighting the drastic cultural impacts.
  • In the context of agriculture, farmers have often extirpated weeds to improve crop yields and protect their harvests.

Literature

  • Famous literary works have employed the concept of extirpation as a metaphor for moral or societal cleansing.
  • Poets and novelists often use the term to describe the desire to rid oneself or society of vices and corruption.

Origin of 'extirpate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'extirpare', which means 'to root out' โ€“ stemming from 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'stirp' which means 'root'.
  • It has been used in English since the mid-16th century, showing the long history of its use in literature and science.

The word 'extirpate' comes from the Latin 'extirpฤre', which combines 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'stirpฤre', meaning 'to root up.' It entered the English language in the early 17th century. The initial usage pertained to plants, referring to pulling them out by the roots, but it has since broadened to encompass the removal of any entity from its place of existence. The connotation of complete eradication aligns with the original imagery of uprooting a plant, asserting a sense of thoroughness and finality in the act. Over time, 'extirpate' has been applied in various contexts such as medicine, ecology, and social issues, reflecting its versatility and the changing needs of language to express complete removal or abolition.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,789, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.