A versatile word that encompasses the meaning of "erase, expunge, or make disappear" is obliterate.
What is a Word for Erase, Expunge, or Make Disappear?
When seeking a word that conveys the idea of complete removal, destruction, or making something vanish, several powerful synonyms come to mind, each with slightly different nuances. These terms go beyond simple deletion, often implying a thorough and permanent elimination.
The concept of making something disappear can apply to various contexts, from physical objects and written records to abstract ideas or memories. Understanding the subtle differences between these words helps in choosing the most precise term for a given situation.
Key Terms for Complete Removal
Here's a breakdown of strong matches that perfectly capture the essence of erasing, expunging, or making something disappear:
Term | Definition & Context | Example Usage |
---|---|---|
Obliterate | To destroy utterly; wipe out. It implies a thorough and complete removal, leaving no trace. Often used for physical destruction or severe erasure. | The asteroid impact could obliterate the entire city. |
Expunge | To erase or remove completely (something unwelcome or unpleasant) from a record or memory. Often used in legal or historical contexts. | The court ordered to expunge the conviction from his record. |
Eliminate | To completely remove or get rid of something. This can apply to problems, competitors, or undesirable elements. | We need to eliminate all errors before publishing the report. |
Abolish | To formally put an end to (a system, practice, or institution). This term is typically used for established rules or societal structures. | The government decided to abolish the outdated law. |
Efface | To erase (a mark, inscription, or memory) from a surface or mind. It suggests a gradual or deliberate wiping away. | Time will eventually efface the memory of his betrayal. |
Negate | To make ineffective; nullify. While not always physical, it means to make something cease to exist in its effect or meaning. | The new evidence effectively negated the previous findings. |
Wipe Out | A phrasal verb meaning to destroy or remove completely. It has a strong connotation of thoroughness and often finality. | A powerful storm can wipe out an entire coastal village. |
Related Concepts and Synonyms
Beyond these strong matches, many other words and phrases convey similar ideas of removal, cancellation, or diminishing presence, depending on the specific context:
- For removing data or text:
- Delete
- Cancel
- Strike out
- Cross out
- Take out
- Blue pencil (for editing text)
- For making something invalid or void:
- Annul
- Nullify
- Disannul
- For complete destruction or removal:
- Extirpate (to root out and destroy completely)
- Excise (to cut out or remove surgically)
- Gut (to remove the essential parts)
- Kill (in the sense of stopping something from operating)
- For obscuring or hiding:
- Black out
- Blot
- Figurative or informal uses:
- Unsee (to wish one could erase a sight from memory)
- Launder (to make something appear legitimate)
- Stamp out (to suppress something completely and quickly)
Choosing the right word depends on the specific nature of what is being removed and the desired emphasis on permanence, completeness, or the method of removal. For a general, strong word covering "erase, expunge, or make disappear," obliterate is an excellent choice, as it implies a definitive and comprehensive act of vanishing.