verb

eliminate

ih-LIHM-ih-nayt

verb

To completely remove or get rid of something.

"The new filter eliminates almost all bacteria from the water."

"They eliminated the extra step to speed up the process."

To knock a competitor or option out of a contest or list of possibilities.

"She was eliminated in the first round of the tournament."

How to Use Eliminate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo get rid of something completely, or to knock someone out of a competition.

Common pairings

eliminate the risk eliminate a competitor eliminate waste

eliminated past tense, eliminates singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

The new filter _____ almost all bacteria from the water.

From Latin ēlīminō, literally "to turn out of doors," from ē- ("out") plus līmen ("threshold").

ate date rate mate fate gate hate pate late Nate Kate cate