Extirpate
/ˈɛk.stɪr.peɪt/
Meaning & Definition
verb
to root out and destroy completely.
The conservationists worked tirelessly to extirpate invasive species from the national park.
to remove or destroy completely; eradicate.
The team was determined to extirpate the disease from the population.
to remove all traces of something.
The cleanup crew was called in to extirpate the oil spill from the coastline.
Etymology
From Latin 'extirpare', from 'ex-' (out) + 'stirps' (root).
Common Phrases and Expressions
extirpate a problem
To completely eradicate a specific issue.
extirpate evil
To root out and destroy malevolent influences.
extirpate from existence
To completely remove something so it no longer exists.
Related Words
destroy
To cause the destruction of something.
eradicate
To completely eliminate or destroy something.
eliminate
To completely remove or get rid of something.
Slang Meanings
Wipe out
They plan to wipe out all traces of the old regime.
Purge
It's time to purge those bad habits from your life.