eradicate
ih-RAD-ih-kayt
/ɪˈrædɪkeɪt/
To completely destroy or put an end to something, literally pulling it up by the roots.
Eradicate is used for abstract concepts, diseases, or systemic problems, implying a permanent and complete removal.
The story behind the word. From the Latin eradicatus, the past participle of eradicare, which literally means 'to pull up by the roots.' It is composed of ex- (out) and radix (root). Its figurative use of completely destroying an abstract concept or pest dates back to the 16th century.
Word relationships
- eliminate: Eliminate means to remove or get rid of, but does not carry the powerful 'pulled up by the roots' historical metaphor of eradicate.
- extirpate: Extirpate is a very formal synonym often used in biology to mean local extinction of a species.
- establish: Establish means to set up on a firm or permanent basis.
- foster: Foster means to encourage the development or growth of something.
Commonly confused with
- exterminate: Exterminate is used for physical populations of living pests, while eradicate is used for diseases, social issues, or abstract concepts.
Word family
- eradication (noun): The complete destruction or removal of something.
- eradicable (adjective): Capable of being eradicated.
Collocations
- eradicate disease
- completely eradicate
- eradicate poverty
- effort to eradicate
Example sentences
- "In a 1980 address, the World Health Organization declared that 'smallpox has been eradicated from the world'." A historic declaration by the World Health Organization. (World Health Organization Declaration)
Memory hook
Think of 'e-rad-icate' as removing something so completely that it is 'radical'—taking it out by the 'radix' (root). Pulling something out by its roots.
When not to use
Avoid using for localized, physical pests in a single room (e.g., do not say 'I eradicated the spider in my kitchen'; use 'killed' or 'removed').
Fun facts
- The word 'radish' shares the same root (radix) because it is a root vegetable!
Related words
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