Extirpate
Verb
Definition: To destroy or remove completely; to exterminate.
Synonyms: Eradicate, Eliminate, Abolish, Annihilate
Antonyms: Establish, Preserve, Plant, Cultivate
Examples:
- The government launched a campaign to extirpate corruption from the country.
- The invasive species needs to be extirpated in order to protect the local ecosystem.
Mnemonics:
- Think of "extirpate" as "extreme eradication".
Etymology:
Origin:
Late 16th century from Latin 'extirpare', from 'ex-' (out) + 'stirps' (root, stump)
Historical Usage:The term has been used since the late 16th century and has maintained its meaning throughout history.