Meaning & Definition of word "Erase"

Erase

/ɪˈreɪz/

verb:

  • 1. to remove written or printed marks from a surface.
    • Example: She used a cloth to erase the chalkboard after the lesson.
  • 2. to eliminate or destroy all traces of something.
    • Example: The lawyer aimed to erase any evidence that could link her client to the crime.
  • 3. to cancel or make void, as in a memory or thought.
    • Example: He tried to erase the painful memories of his childhood.

Etymology

From Latin 'erasus', past participle of 'eradere', meaning 'to scrape out'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

erase the board:

To wipe the chalkboard clean.

erase from existence:

To remove something completely.

erase a memory:

To make a memory difficult to recall.

Related Words

eraser:

A tool used to remove pencil marks.

deletion:

The act of removing or obliterating something.

obliteration:

The action of destroying something completely.

Slang Meanings of erase

Meaning: To ditch or get rid of something.

Example Sentence: I need to erase that date from my calendar.

Meaning: To cancel or back out of something.

Example Sentence: He decided to erase his plans for the weekend.