erase

Meaning

Verb

1. (transitive) To remove (markings or information).
2. (transitive) To obliterate information from (a storage medium), such as to clear or (with magnetic storage) to demagnetize.
3. (transitive) To obliterate (information) from a storage medium, such as to clear or to overwrite.
4. (transitive) To remove a runner from the bases via a double play or pick off play
5. (intransitive) To be erased (have markings removed, have information removed, or be cleared of information).
6. (transitive) To disregard (a group, an orientation, etc.); to prevent from having an active role in society.
7. (slang, transitive) To kill; assassinate.

Noun

The operation of deleting data.

Synonyms

delete

rub out

efface

obliterate

wipe out

wipe off

cancel

wipe

expunge

cross out

eliminate

remove

rub off

eradicate

destroy

revoke

extinguish

clear

repeal

call off

strike out

blot out

wipe away

quench

wipe up

rub

kill

🔪🩸👤

abolish

scrape

score out

use up

rub away

strike off

confute

erasure

slake

sweep

waste

ravage

clean

refute

disprove

get rid of

devastate

extirpate

destruct

brush

demolish

excise

deface

Translations

effacer

borrar

cancellare

apagar

löschen

supprimer

radieren

σβήνω

silmek

esborrar

ausradieren

uitwissen

rayer

auslöschen

εξαλείφω

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɪˈɹeɪz/

Etymology

Cognate with Middle English: arasen

In summary

From Latin erasus, past participle of eradere (“to scrape, to abrade”), from ex- (“out of”) + radere (“to scrape”). Compare Middle English arasen, aracen (“to eradicate, erase”). Displaced native Old English dilegian.