verb

eradicate

ih-RAD-ih-kayt/ɪˈrædɪkeɪt/

To remove or destroy completely.

The gardener eradicates the weeds by removing the last one with its entire root.

Gardener removes final weed with entire root from small planting bed, all uprooted weeds with roots collected beside bed; complete removal clear.

Etymology

eLatinout

+radicLatinroot

+ateLatinpast-participle ending

The pieces convey pulling something out by its roots. That image of uprooting underlies the broader meaning of destroying or removing something completely.

In context

Secret Origins14:57

Paiute. They were reported to constantly harass the Paiutes, forcing them to live in fear until eventually the various Paiute groups had had enough and decided to band together to eradicate the Si-Te-Cah.

Lost Giants of America: The Biggest Cover-Up in Human History

More examples

Years of vaccination have eradicated the disease from this region.
The new policy aims to eradicate discrimination in hiring.
Completely eradicating these weeds requires removing every piece of root.

Forms

eradicate · eradicates · eradicated · eradicating

eradication noun — The complete removal or destruction of something.

Similar words

eliminate: Also means removing one option, without destroying anything.
exterminate: Usually means killing every member of an unwanted population.