Extirpation: meaning, definitions and examples

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extirpation

[ɪkˌstɜːrˈpeɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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. The global eradication of smallpox is considered one of the greatest achievements in public health. Efforts towards the eradication of poverty are ongoing.
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. The extermination of termites was necessary to save the old house. They called an extermination service to deal with the rat infestation.
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. The elimination of waste is a critical part of the recycling process. They are working on the elimination of discriminatory practices in the workplace.

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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. The extirpation of invasive species is crucial for the restoration of the native ecosystem. The extirpation of the tumor was a success, leaving the patient cancer-free.
eradication	Used in contexts involving the complete elimination of diseases, pests, or other harmful entities. Often found in medical, agricultural, and public health discourses. The global eradication of smallpox was a major victory for humanity. Efforts are ongoing for the eradication of malaria in many tropical regions.
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. The typhoon caused the uprooting of numerous ancient trees in the forest. Uprooting his family to move to another country was a difficult decision.
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. The removal of the old furniture made the room look much bigger. Snow removal in the city was a major challenge after the blizzard.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'extirpatio', meaning 'to root out or destroy'.
The prefix 'ex-' implies 'out', and 'stirpare' means 'to root up', combining to signify complete removal.

Environmental Science

In ecology, extirpation refers to the local extinction of a species in a specific area, though it may still exist elsewhere.
The process has significant implications for biodiversity, affecting food webs and ecosystems when a species is lost from a habitat.

Medicine

The term is often used in surgical contexts to describe the complete removal of tissue, such as extirpating a tumor.
Medical professionals emphasize complete extirpation to ensure that no residual disease remains.

Psychology

In behavioral psychology, extirpation can describe the removal of unwanted behaviors or thoughts, akin to 'unlearning'.
Therapeutic techniques can help individuals 'extirpate' negative habits, focusing on creating new, positive behaviors.

History

Throughout history, various invasive species have been targeted for extirpation due to their harmful impacts on local ecosystems.
In the 19th century, some governments enacted laws for the extirpation of certain pests, demonstrating early environmental management efforts.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,761, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21758 kennel
21759 arguable
21760 celluloid
21761 extirpation
21762 fractionated
21763 imprints
21764 urticaria
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