verb (used with object), e·rad·i·cat·ed, e·rad·i·cat·ing.
- to remove or destroy utterly; extirpate: to eradicate smallpox throughout the world.
- to erase by rubbing or by means of a chemical solvent: to eradicate a spot.
- to pull up by the roots: to eradicate weeds.
verb (tr)
- to obliterate; stamp out
- to pull or tear up by the roots
early 15c., from Latin eradicatus, past participle of eradicare “to root out” (see eradication). Related: Eradicated; eradicating; eradicable.