verb
Uncommon
eradicate
ih-RAD-ih-kayt
Eradicate (verb) means to destroy or get rid of something completely, especially a disease or problem. Example: “Vaccination campaigns helped eradicate smallpox worldwide.”
verb
1
To destroy or get rid of something completely, especially a disease or problem.
"Vaccination campaigns helped eradicate smallpox worldwide."
"The council launched a plan to eradicate homelessness in the city."
How to use eradicate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo wipe something out entirely, down to the root, so it doesn't come back.
Common pairings
eradicate poverty
eradicate disease
completely eradicate
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- eradicates
- Past tense
- eradicated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Vaccination campaigns helped _____ smallpox worldwide.
Etymology
From Latin eradicare, "to root out," from e- ("out") + radix ("root") — the same root as "radish."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for eradicate
See all rhymes for eradicate →Frequently asked questions
What does “eradicate” mean?
The word “eradicate” means to destroy or get rid of something completely, especially a disease or problem. In plain terms, to wipe something out entirely, down to the root, so it doesn't come back.
How do you pronounce “eradicate”?
“Eradicate” is pronounced ih-RAD-ih-kayt (/əˈræd.əˌkeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “eradicate” in a sentence?
Here is “eradicate” used in a sentence: “Vaccination campaigns helped eradicate smallpox worldwide.”
What part of speech is “eradicate”?
“Eradicate” is a verb.
Where does the word “eradicate” come from?
The word “eradicate” comes from Latin. From Latin eradicare, "to root out," from e- ("out") + radix ("root") — the same root as "radish.".
Is “eradicate” a common word?
“Eradicate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
