rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryeliminateComplete removal
verb

eliminate

ih-LIM-uh-nayt/ɪˈlɪmɪneɪt/

To remove something completely.

The woman eliminates the rotten apple from the group of fresh apples.

A woman removes a rotten apple from a small group of fresh apples and drops it into a waste bin, making the act of getting rid of something unmistakable.
Etymology
eLatinout
+liminateLatinthreshold

The original image was pushing something out across a threshold: throwing it out of doors. Physical expulsion broadened into removing unwanted things or ruling out possibilities.

In context

TED16:46
identifying those sources of fake fun that we're talking about so that you can begin to reduce or eliminate them
3 Elements of True Fun — and How to Have More of It | Catherine Price | TED

More examples

  • This filter eliminates unpleasant odors from the kitchen.
  • A second loss eliminated our team from the tournament.
  • The kidneys eliminate waste from the blood.

Forms

eliminate · eliminates · eliminated · eliminating

elimination noun — The act of removing something completely.

Similar words

remove
Remove means taking something away, without emphasizing complete removal.
exclude
Exclude focuses on keeping something out or denying participation.
eradicate
Eradicate stresses destroying something harmful so it cannot return.