Eradicate

Verb

Definition: To remove or destroy completely.

Synonyms: Eliminate, Annihilate, Obliterate

Antonyms: Preserve, Protect, Nurture

Examples:

The government launched a campaign to eradicate poverty in the country.
The use of pesticides helped eradicate the infestation of insects.

Mnemonics:

Think of "eradicate" as "erase" or "radicate," highlighting the idea of completely removing or destroying something.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from Latin 'eradicat-' (removed by the roots), from the verb 'eradicare', from 'e-' (out) + 'radix, radic-' (root).

Historical Usage:

The word has been used to describe the act of completely uprooting or eliminating something since its Latin origins.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Eradicate from the face of the earth"

Explanation:

This phrase emphasizes total destruction or elimination, implying the complete removal of something from existence.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "eradicate" with "eradication"

Explanation:

"Eradicate" is the verb form, meaning to remove or destroy completely, while "eradication" is the noun form, referring to the act or process of eradicating something.