Removal: meaning, definitions and examples

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' 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.

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' 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.

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.

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.

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 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• The company initiated a purge of outdated records.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.

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

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

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

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