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Removal: meaning, definitions and examples

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removal

 

[rɪˈmuːvəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

waste management

The act of getting rid of something or someone, or the act of being removed.

Synonyms

clearance, disposal, elimination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
removal

Use 'removal' when referring to taking something away from a place or eliminating someone's position or rights, typically in a somewhat formal or systematic context.

  • The removal of the old statue took several hours.
  • Her removal from office caused a lot of controversies.
elimination

'Elimination' is used when referring to completely getting rid of something, often in a competitive or systematic context. It can also have a negative connotation, especially when referring to removing people.

  • The company's goal is the elimination of all unnecessary expenses.
  • The athlete's elimination from the tournament was unexpected.
disposal

Use 'disposal' when talking about getting rid of waste or unwanted items, often in a formal or official context.

  • The disposal of hazardous waste must be handled carefully.
  • She took care of the garbage disposal after the party.
clearance

'Clearance' is often used in the context of removing obstacles or securing permission, and it can also refer to the sale of items at reduced prices.

  • We need to get security clearance before entering the restricted area.
  • The store is having a clearance sale this weekend.

Examples of usage

  • Proper removal of waste is essential for environmental protection.
  • The removal of the old furniture was necessary before the renovation could begin.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

The process of uninstalling or deleting something from a computer, device, or system.

Synonyms

deletion, purge, uninstallation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
removal

Use this word when referring to the act of taking something away or off. It can be used in physical, social, or conceptual contexts.

  • The removal of old furniture made the room look more spacious.
  • The removal of the CEO was a significant change in the company.
deletion

This word is best suited for contexts involving the act of removing something from a document, database, or digital content. Often used in computing and editing.

  • The deletion of the files was irreversible.
  • Accidental deletion of emails can be problematic.
uninstallation

This term is specifically used in the context of removing software or applications from an electronic device or system.

  • Proper uninstallation of software ensures that no leftover files remain.
  • He followed the steps for the uninstallation of the antivirus program.
purge

Purge is often used when referring to the act of getting rid of unwanted or harmful elements in a thorough or forceful way. Can have a negative connotation when referring to social or political contexts.

  • The company initiated a purge of outdated records.
  • The political purge left many people out of power.

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to back up your files before software removal.
  • The removal of unnecessary programs can improve the performance of your device.
Context #3 | Noun

medicine

The surgical procedure to eliminate something from the body, such as a tumor or an organ.

Synonyms

excision, extirpation, resection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
removal

General term for taking something away or eliminating it from a place or context.

  • The removal of the old furniture was necessary to make space for the new pieces
  • After the removal of the stain, the carpet looked as good as new
excision

Primarily used in medical or surgical contexts to describe the precise cutting out or removal of tissue, organ, or other part.

  • The biopsy involved the excision of a small tissue sample from the patient
  • Excision of the tumor was successful, and the patient is now recovering
resection

Technical term used mostly in medical or surgical contexts to indicate the removal of part of an organ or structure, often used when a more specific part is cut away.

  • The surgeon performed a resection of the affected portion of the intestine
  • Hepatic resection was necessary to remove the damaged liver tissue
extirpation

More formal and often used in medical, scientific, or historical contexts to mean complete removal or destruction of something, typically including roots or underlying parts. Can have a negative connotation when used in non-medical contexts.

  • The extirpation of invasive species is crucial to restoring the natural ecosystem
  • In the surgery, extirpation of the malfunctioning gland was performed

Examples of usage

  • The patient underwent the removal of the cancerous growth.
  • Appendix removal is a common surgical procedure.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'removal' comes from the Latin word 'removalis', meaning to move away.
  • It was first recorded in use in English around the early 16th century, showing how language evolves over time.
  • The prefix 're-' means 'again' or 'back', while 'move' relates to changing position, indicating the act of moving something back.

Legal Context

  • In legal terminology, 'removal' can refer to the transfer of a case from one court to another.
  • This term is also used in property law to describe the act of taking back ownership from another party.
  • Practices such as eviction involve legal removal of individuals from property, highlighting the serious implications of the word.

Psychology

  • 'Removal' can refer to eliminating unwanted behaviors or memories in therapeutic settings, such as in cognitive behavioral therapy.
  • Practicing removal techniques can help individuals clear mental clutter and reduce anxiety.
  • The act of removal in therapy often symbolizes making space for new, healthier thoughts and actions.

Environmental Science

  • In ecology, removal refers to the extraction of invasive species to restore balance in ecosystems.
  • Waste removal is a major concern for environmental sustainability, aiming to minimize landfill impact.
  • Tree removal in forestry can prevent overcrowding and promote healthier growth for remaining vegetation.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'removal' often appears in movies and TV shows where characters are forced to leave their familiar surroundings.
  • In online gaming, 'removal' can refer to getting rid of certain items or abilities to enhance gameplay dynamics.
  • Social media content often discusses removal in the context of deleting posts or accounts to maintain privacy.

Translations

Translations of the word "removal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 remoção

🇮🇳 हटाना

🇩🇪 Entfernung

🇮🇩 penghapusan

🇺🇦 видалення

🇵🇱 usunięcie

🇯🇵 除去 (じょきょ)

🇫🇷 retrait

🇪🇸 eliminación

🇹🇷 çıkarma

🇰🇷 제거 (제거)

🇸🇦 إزالة

🇨🇿 odstranění

🇸🇰 odstránenie

🇨🇳 删除 (shānchú)

🇸🇮 odstranitev

🇮🇸 fjarlæging

🇰🇿 жою

🇬🇪 ამოღება

🇦🇿 çıxarılma

🇲🇽 eliminación

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,925, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.