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

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 notes

In plain EnglishTo wipe something out entirely, down to the root, so it doesn't come back.

Common pairings

eradicate poverty eradicate disease completely eradicate

Word forms

eradicated past tense, eradicates singular

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Vaccination campaigns helped _____ smallpox worldwide.

Etymology

From Latin eradicare, "to root out," from e- ("out") + radix ("root") — the same root as "radish."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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eliminate uproot decimate annihilate extinguish exterminate wipe out root out carry off extirpate

Related words

kill remove manage destroy rid weed delete generate

Rhymes for eradicate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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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.

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