Meaning & Definition of Wipe in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To remove something from a surface by rubbing.

  Example Sentence: She used a cloth to wipe the table.

• Definition: To erase or destroy data.

  Example Sentence: He needed to wipe the hard drive before selling the computer.

• Definition: To apply a liquid to a surface and then remove it.

  Example Sentence: She wiped the window with a cleaner.

• Definition: To pass one's hand or an object over a surface.

  Example Sentence: He wiped his brow after running.

• Definition: Slang for dealing with a loss in a game or competition.

  Example Sentence: They really wiped us out in that match.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English 'wipen', from Old English 'wīpan', meaning to move swiftly.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• wipe the slate clean: To start fresh, to erase past mistakes.
• wipe out: To completely eliminate or destroy.
• wipe the floor with someone: To defeat someone easily or decisively.
• wipe away: To remove something by rubbing, often tears or dust.

Translations

• Spanish: limpiar

• French: essuyer

• German: abwischen

• Russian: вытереть

Related Words

• clean: To make something free of dirt or marks.

• erase: To remove writing or marks from a surface.

• scrub: To clean something thoroughly by rubbing it hard.

Slang Meanings of wipe

• Meaning: To fail miserably.

  Example Sentence: I really wiped on that exam.

• Meaning: To heavily defeat someone in competition.

  Example Sentence: We wiped them in the first round.