eradicate
/ɪˈræd.ɪ.keɪt/To completely remove or destroy something harmful so that it no longer exists at all. It suggests getting rid of something at the root, not just reducing it. Commonly used about diseases, poverty, crime, or social problems.
- The WHO worked for decades to eradicate smallpox worldwide.
- No country has fully managed to eradicate corruption yet.
- Early action can help eradicate the pest before it spreads.
Adinary Nuance
Eradicate is the strongest word in its cluster — it implies total, permanent removal, often of something with deep roots (literally or figuratively). Compare it to eliminate, which is more neutral and everyday ("eliminate errors," "eliminate a candidate") and doesn't carry the same sense of finality. Abolish is only used for laws, systems, or institutions ("abolish slavery"), not diseases or pests. Exterminate focuses on killing living things and sounds harsher — using it about people carries very dark connotations. Wipe out is the informal spoken equivalent of eradicate; in academic or IELTS writing, "eradicate" is clearly the stronger, more appropriate choice.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Xóa bỏ hoàn toàn
- Spanish
- Erradicar
- Chinese
- 根除
- Japanese
- 根絶する
- Korean
- 근절하다
Etymology
From Latin "eradicare," meaning "to root out," formed from "e-" (out) and "radix" (root). The word entered English in the late 16th century, carrying its original sense of pulling something out by the roots.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'eradicate' and 'eliminate'?
- 'Eradicate' is stronger — it means something is destroyed completely and permanently, often something deeply rooted like a disease or social problem. 'Eliminate' is more general and can apply to smaller, everyday things like errors or options.
- Is 'eradicate' formal? Can I use it in IELTS writing?
- Yes, 'eradicate' is a formal, academic word and is excellent for IELTS Task 2 essays. It is commonly used in topics like health, poverty, crime, and the environment.
- Can 'eradicate' be used for people?
- It is grammatically possible but usually sounds very harsh or extreme when applied to people. It is most naturally used for problems, diseases, pests, or harmful practices — not individuals.
- What is the noun form of 'eradicate'?
- The noun form is 'eradication,' as in 'the eradication of polio.' This form is also very common in academic and formal writing.