erase

verb \ i-ˈrās , British -ˈrāz \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of erase

erased; erasing

transitive verb

1 a : 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

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

b : to nullify the effect or force of

intransitive verb

: to yield to erasure

—

erasability

play \i-ˌrā-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

—

erasable

play \i-ˈrā-sə-bəl\ adjective

See erase defined for English-language learners

See erase defined for kids

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 of erase from the Web

The Panthers also do not have an apparent replacement at starting safety after releasing Kurt Coleman, which erases a massive line of communication between the linebackers and defensive backfield and hinders run support.

— jourdan rodrigue, charlotteobserver, "Do the Panthers have a prayer of replacing LB Thomas Davis? Not with 1 guy ... | Charlotte Observer," 9 Apr. 2018
He was sacked the most Saturday, Richt said, although one long run helped erase some of the negative yardage.

— susan miller degnan, miamiherald, "This 6-6 Baby Cane did some big-kid damage at UM scrimmage while QBs, O-line struggled | Miami Herald," 7 Apr. 2018
On Sunday, the freshman helped erase a two-goal Trojans lead in the second half en route to a 14-11 win.

— katherine dunn, baltimoresun.com, "By the numbers for women's lacrosse (April 3)," 3 Apr. 2018
With a palette of white, grey and lighter-toned wood, Schmidt crafted a surprisingly cozy home suited to her client's sophisticated tastes, while, at the same time, erasing those overwhelmingly high ceiling lines.

— jessica cumberbatch anderson, ELLE Decor, "House Tour: Farmhouse Meets Urban Loft In An 'Agrihood' Outside Washington, DC," 30 Mar. 2018
Loyola’s victory helped erase such racial restrictions, which afforded more African Americans the opportunity to receive athletic scholarships and shine both on the court and in the classroom.

— sean gregory, Time, "How Loyola Chicago’s Basketball Team Shattered a Racial Barrier for Black Athletes 55 Years Ago," 30 Mar. 2018
These relationships help erase the invisible line that often separates students with such disabilities.

— c.r. walker, Elgin Courier-News, "A keeper at sweeper: Kylie Graves inspired by brother to form Best Buddies chapter at Elgin," 23 Mar. 2018
These relationships help erase the invisible line that often separates students with such disabilities.

— c.r. walker, chicagotribune.com, "A keeper at sweeper: Kylie Graves inspired by brother to form Best Buddies chapter at Elgin," 22 Mar. 2018
The losses helped erase the sting of losing twice to bottom-feeders like Ottawa and Edmonton on the previous homestand.

— matthew defranks, Sun-Sentinel.com, "As Panthers enter huge game in Columbus, 'I think we're peaking, playing our best of the year'," 21 Mar. 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.

Origin and Etymology of erase

Latin erasus, past participle of eradere, from e- + radere to scratch, scrape — more at rodent

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1605

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

erase Synonyms

Synonyms

abolish, annihilate, black out, blot out, cancel, clean (up), efface, eradicate, expunge, exterminate, extirpate, liquidate, obliterate, root (out), rub out, snuff (out), stamp (out), sweep (away), wipe out;

Near Antonyms

conserve, preserve, protect, save;

build, construct, create, fabricate, fashion, forge, form, frame, make, manufacture, shape;

fix, mend, patch, rebuild, recondition, reconstruct, renew, renovate, repair, restore, revamp;

dismantle, flatten, mow (down), raze, tear down;

ruin, total, waste, wreck;

blast, blow up, dash, dynamite, smash;

atomize, consume, devour, dissolve, fragment, powder, pulverize, shatter, splinter;

doom, finish, kill, kill off, terminate, zap;

cancel, cut, discard, ditch, eject, excise, expel, jettison, oust, throw out;

ERASE Defined for English Language Learners

erase

verb

Definition of erase for English Language Learners

: 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)