erase

verb

\ i-ˈrās

, British -ˈrāz\

erased; erasing

Definition of erase

transitive verb

1a : to rub or scrape out (something, such as written, painted, or engraved letters) erase an error

b : to remove written or drawn marks from erase a blackboard

c : to remove (recorded matter) from a magnetic medium also : to remove recorded matter from erase a videotape

d : to delete from computer storage erase a file

2a : to remove from existence or memory as if by erasing

b : to nullify the effect or force of

intransitive verb

: to yield to erasure

Other Words from erase Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about erase

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Other Words from erase

erasability \ i-ˌrā-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

erasable \ i-ˈrā-sə-bəl

\ adjective

Examples of erase in a Sentence

The recording can be erased and the tape used again. Several important files were accidentally erased. You can erase the tape and use it again. She erased the wrong answer from her paper and filled in the correct one. I erased the chalk marks from the blackboard.

Recent Examples on the Web

Twenty-four hours after Liverpool erased a three-goal deficit over 90 minutes against Barcelona, Tottenham did the same in Amsterdam on Wednesday night—and in half as much time. — Joshua Robinson, WSJ, "Tottenham Stuns Ajax to Advance to Champions League Final," 8 May 2019 Shannon referenced a 1998 New York Times article, which thanks to infrared light technology, was able to report that Susan's name had been erased from over 10 of Dickinson's writings. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Watch Molly Shannon Play Emily Dickinson as a Funny, Passionate Lesbian in Wild Nights with Emily," 7 Mar. 2019 Its sole purpose is to erase trans people from the public square. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Supreme Court Allows Trump's Transgender Military Ban to Go Into Effect Temporarily," 22 Jan. 2019 The 1,086-point bounce followed a four-day preholiday stretch that had erased nearly 1,900 points from the index. — Spencer Jakab, WSJ, "Stock-Market Standoff: Apple Warning vs. the Jobs Report," 4 Jan. 2019 There is a long way to go toward the universal understanding that ignoring people’s differences ultimately erases us and sidelines our needs. — Rawiya Kameir, Vogue, "After the Fenty Phenomenon, What’s Next for Inclusivity in Beauty?," 18 Mar. 2019 When people associated with the Occupy movement launched a project to buy debt and erase it, Ashton and Antico offered their expertise. — Mary Esch, The Seattle Times, "Secret Santas: Charity buys and erases past-due medical debt," 25 Dec. 2018 Zach Hyman and Auston Matthews scored third-period goals as the Maple Leafs erased a 2-0 deficit. — Joe Harris, The Seattle Times, "O’Reilly’s overtime goal lifts Blues past Maple Leafs 3-2," 19 Feb. 2019 The Cubs’ history of second-half surges, such as their 2017 post-All-Star break burst that enabled them to erase a 5½-game deficit to overtake the Brewers for the National League Central title, bolsters their confidence. — Mark Gonzales, chicagotribune.com, "Cubs' Mike Montgomery: 'We still know we're the team to beat'," 10 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'erase.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near erase

Statistics for erase

Last Updated

13 May 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for erase

The first known use of erase was in 1605

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More Definitions for erase

erase

verb

English Language Learners Definition of erase

: to remove (something that has been recorded) from a tape (such as a videotape or audiotape) or a computer disk also : to remove recorded material from (a tape or disk)

: to remove (something written) by rubbing or scraping so that it can no longer be seen

: to remove something written from (a surface)

See the full definition for erase in the English Language Learners Dictionary

erase

verb

\ i-ˈrās

erased; erasing