eradicate
Completely remove or destroy something undesirable
Examples
In a meeting
“We need to eradicate these bugs before the product launch next week.”
Over coffee
“I'm trying to eradicate clutter from my apartment this weekend.”
Why this word
eliminate
Eradicate emphasizes complete and permanent removal, often of something deeply rooted, while eliminate is more general removal
remove
Eradicate implies destroying something entirely at its source, while remove just means taking away
destroy
Eradicate specifically means total elimination leaving no trace, while destroy means damage beyond use but not necessarily complete removal
Usage tip
Use for permanent, thorough removal rather than temporary fixes. Stronger than 'eliminate' and implies complete destruction.
Etymology
Latin: e- (out) + radix (root) — literally 'to pull out by the roots'
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Related words
implement
To put a plan, decision, or agreement into action.
circumvent
To find a way around an obstacle or restriction.
diagnose
To identify the cause or nature of a problem through examination.
proceed
To continue with a course of action
eliminate
To completely remove or get rid of something.
initiate
To cause a process or action to begin.