rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryeradicationComplete elimination
noun

eradication

ih-rad-ih-KAY-shun/ɪˌrædɪˈkeɪʃn/

Complete removal or destruction of something unwanted.

Removing every weed and its roots achieves eradication in the small bed.

Two compact before/after views of same small garden bed: left three weeds; right completely clear bed with all three uprooted rooted weeds gathered outside it, no labels or arrows needed.
Etymology
eLatinout
+radicLatinroot
+ationLatinaction or process

The root pieces evoke pulling something out by its roots, while the ending names the action. Applied to something harmful, eradication means its complete removal or destruction.

In context

This Week in Science (TWIS)70:00
complete sterilization and eradication and in reminding me sort of somewhat of the parasite story uh researchers are now looking at this and they believe that it might actually not be a good thing to completely remove an infection
Live Long Because Science! - This Week in Science Podcast (TWIS) - Episode 602

More examples

  • Complete eradication required several years of work.
  • The report assessed progress toward disease eradication.
  • Eradication of the pest proved difficult.

Forms

eradication

eradicate verb — remove completely

Similar words

removal
Removal is broad; eradication emphasizes complete elimination.
control
Control reduces or manages a problem; eradication seeks to eliminate it entirely.