Main Entry: erad·i·cate

Pronunciation: \i-ˈra-də-ˌkāt\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): erad·i·cat·ed; erad·i·cat·ing

Etymology: Latin eradicatus, past participle of eradicare, from e- + radic-, radix root — more at root

Date: 1532

1 : to pull up by the roots
2 : to do away with as completely as if by pulling up by the roots <programs to eradicate illiteracy>

synonyms see exterminate

— erad·i·ca·ble \-ˈra-di-kə-bəl\ adjective

— erad·i·ca·tion \-ˌra-də-ˈkā-shən\ noun

— erad·i·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun