Extirpation: meaning, definitions and examples
🌿
extirpation
[ ɪkˌstɜːrˈpeɪʃən ]
in ecology
The complete eradication or destruction of a population of organisms from a given area. It is often a result of human intervention, habitat destruction, or invasive species.
Synonyms
elimination, eradication, extermination.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
extirpation |
Repeated entry, already described above. |
eradication |
Frequently used in scientific, medical, and formal discussions to describe the complete destruction or removal of a disease, problem, or harmful elements, often implying a more systematic and thorough process.
|
extermination |
Typically used in contexts involving the deliberate killing of pests or unwanted creatures. It carries a somewhat harsh or negative connotation and implies a more aggressive or violent approach.
|
elimination |
Commonly used in everyday language as well as in formal contexts to refer to the process of completely getting rid of something or someone.
|
Examples of usage
- Due to deforestation, the extirpation of certain bird species has become a major concern.
- The extirpation of the native plants led to a significant imbalance in the ecosystem.
in history
The act of uprooting or removing something completely. It can refer to the removal of people or customs from a particular place.
Synonyms
eradication, removal, uprooting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
extirpation |
Used in formal or scientific contexts to indicate the complete destruction or removal of something, especially in medicine or biology.
|
eradication |
Used in contexts involving the complete elimination of diseases, pests, or other harmful entities. Often found in medical, agricultural, and public health discourses.
|
uprooting |
Often used metaphorically or literally to describe the act of pulling something out of its original place. It can be used in the context of plants, as well as in social and emotional contexts.
|
removal |
A commonly used term indicating the act of taking something away or getting rid of it. Can be applied broadly in various contexts such as personal belongings, obstacles, or problems.
|
Examples of usage
- The extirpation of the indigenous culture by colonizers had long-lasting effects on the region.
- The extirpation of dissenting voices was a common practice during the authoritarian regime.
Translations
Translations of the word "extirpation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 extirpação
🇮🇳 उन्मूलन
🇩🇪 Ausrottung
🇮🇩 pemberantasan
🇺🇦 викорінення
🇵🇱 ekstirpacja
🇯🇵 根絶
🇫🇷 extirpation
🇪🇸 extirpación
🇹🇷 kökünü kazıma
🇰🇷 근절
🇸🇦 استئصال
🇨🇿 vykořenění
🇸🇰 vykorenenie
🇨🇳 根除
🇸🇮 iztrebljenje
🇮🇸 útrýming
🇰🇿 жою
🇬🇪 მოსპობა
🇦🇿 məhv etmə
🇲🇽 extirpación
Etymology
The word 'extirpation' has Latin origins, deriving from the Latin word 'extirpatus,' meaning 'root out' or 'destroy completely.' It has been used in various contexts, including ecology, history, and sociology, to describe the complete removal or destruction of something. The concept of extirpation has been significant in understanding the impact of human activities on the environment and cultural practices.