erase

verb

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\ 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

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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 There is nothing Becerra can say at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday that can erase that record. — The Editors, National Review, "Xavier Becerra: Biden’s Most Divisive Cabinet Nominee," 22 Feb. 2021 Miller, a key architect of Trump’s immigration policies, said the new plan authored by New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez and California Rep. Linda Sanchez would essentially erase the U.S. border with Mexico and the former president’s immigration legacy. — Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner, "Biden-backed immigration bill to let deported back in and amnesty for 20M," 18 Feb. 2021 Dejounte Murray turned in the game of his life, with 27 points, 10 rebounds and a career-best eight steals to help the Spurs erase more Curry heroics and emerge with a 105-100 victory. — Jeff Mcdonald, San Antonio Express-News, "The triple take: Spurs 105, Warriors 100," 8 Feb. 2021 If the White House seemed quiet, the Biden administration’s effort to restore America’s global image — and erase Trump’s legacy on climate — was already in full swing. — Jess Bidgood, BostonGlobe.com, "‘Boring is a good thing;’ A day in post-Trump Washington," 26 Jan. 2021 But Biden could also pause or erase the policy upon taking office. — Jennifer Jacobs, Fortune, "Trump tries to ban transactions with Chinese payment apps," 6 Jan. 2021 City and county judges also can reduce or erase bonds for inmates. — Adam Ferrise, cleveland, "Cuyahoga County Sheriff to release jail inmates sentenced for misdemeanors, held on parole violation to curb coronavirus outbreak," 14 Dec. 2020 There are tons of products on the market that promise to lighten and even erase the appearance of dark spots on the skin caused by inflammation or injury. — Jasmine Grant, Essence, "A Black Dermatologist Explains How To Clear Up Those Stubborn Dark Spots," 11 Dec. 2020 Yes … At his best, Cousins helped erase errors and delivered on-target throws to receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, who combined for 17 catches, 196 yards and two touchdowns. — Star Tribune, "Vikings Week 13 spotlight: Kirk Cousins," 6 Dec. 2020

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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Last Updated

26 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Erase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erase. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021.

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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