verb
Uncommon
erase
ih-RAYZ
Erase (verb) means to remove marks, writing, or recorded information completely. Example: “She erased the whiteboard before the next class arrived.”
verb
1
To remove marks, writing, or recorded information completely.
"She erased the whiteboard before the next class arrived."
"He accidentally erased the whole file instead of just one paragraph."
"Use a rubber to erase the pencil lines from your drawing."
2
To remove all trace of something, such as a memory or feeling.
"Nothing could erase the memory of that terrible day."
"He wished he could erase the embarrassment of that speech."
"Time began to erase her sadness after the move."
How to use erase
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo rub out, delete, or otherwise wipe something away completely.
Common pairings
erase a memory
erase the board
erase data
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Word forms
- Plural
- erases
- Third person singular
- erases
- Past tense
- erased
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the whiteboard before the next class arrived.
Etymology
From Latin eradere, "to scrape off," from ex- ("out") + radere ("to scrape").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for erase
See all rhymes for erase →Frequently asked questions
What does “erase” mean?
The word “erase” means to remove marks, writing, or recorded information completely. In plain terms, to rub out, delete, or otherwise wipe something away completely.
How do you pronounce “erase”?
“Erase” is pronounced ih-RAYZ (/ɪˈɹeɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “erase” in a sentence?
Here is “erase” used in a sentence: “She erased the whiteboard before the next class arrived.”
What is the opposite of “erase”?
The opposite of “erase” — its antonyms — is record.
What part of speech is “erase”?
“Erase” is a verb.
Where does the word “erase” come from?
The word “erase” comes from Latin. From Latin eradere, "to scrape off," from ex- ("out") + radere ("to scrape").
Is “erase” a common word?
“Erase” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “erase” have?
“Erase” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to remove marks, writing, or recorded information completely.
What is the difference between erase and delete?
"Erase" traditionally refers to physically removing marks, such as pencil on paper or a magnetic recording, while "delete" is more commonly used for digital files and computer data. The two overlap heavily today, especially with digital content, but "erase" still carries a stronger sense of removing all trace completely.
Can erase be used for memories or feelings, not just physical marks?
Yes, erase is often used figuratively to describe removing a memory, feeling, or experience from someone's mind, as in "trying to erase the embarrassment." This figurative use extends the literal sense of wiping something away completely.
What is the difference between erase and remove?
"Remove" is a general word for taking something away, while "erase" specifically implies eliminating all trace so that nothing visible or recoverable remains. You can remove an item from a list without erasing the record that it was ever there.
