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erase

verb

/ɪˈreɪs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of erase

To remove, delete, or eliminate something, particularly marks, traces, or information, from a surface, object, or record.
"She wanted to erase the memory of the embarrassing moment from her mind."

Detailed meaning of erase

When someone erases, they employ an action or tool to eradicate or wipe away the existing content or marks. It involves the act of making something no longer visible, readable, or recognizable. Erasing can be done physically, such as using an eraser to eliminate pencil markings on paper, or digitally, by deleting files or data from a computer or electronic device. The purpose of erasing is to get rid of unwanted or outdated information, correct errors, or reset a surface to its original state. It is a process that results in the absence or removal of what was previously present, leaving a blank or clean surface in its place. Erasing is a common action performed in various contexts, including art, writing, technology, and data management.

Example sentences containing erase

1. If you erase that line, the sketch will look more proportionate.
2. Don't erase the board; I haven't copied the notes yet.
3. I need to erase this mistake from my draft.
4. When you complete the puzzle, you can erase any pencil marks.
5. Can you erase those comments from the document before we publish it?
6. You can't just erase the past, no matter how much you'd like to.

History and etymology of erase

The verb 'erase' has its roots in the Latin word 'erasus,' which is the past participle of 'erasere,' meaning 'to scrape out' or 'to scratch out.' This Latin term traces its origin to 'ex,' denoting 'out,' and 'radere,' meaning 'to scrape' or 'to scratch.' Therefore, the etymology of 'erase' conveys the idea of removing something by scraping it out or eliminating it completely. When we use the word 'erase' in modern contexts, we are referring to the action of removing, deleting, or eliminating marks, traces, or information from a surface, object, or record, aligning with its historical association with scraping or scratching out.

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Further usage examples of erase

1. She's trying to erase her digital footprint for privacy reasons.
2. Please erase all the data from the hard drive before you sell it.
3. If you erase those marks, the painting will look cleaner.
4. He wants to erase all doubt before making the decision.
5. Please erase the outdated information from the database.
6. If you erase that paragraph, the whole essay will make more sense.
7. Can we erase the graffiti from the walls?
8. We need to erase this error before the software goes live.
9. If you erase your search history, the computer will run faster.
10. If I erase this picture, will I have more storage space on my phone?
11. Let's erase the rough work and present the final design.
12. If you erase your previous scores, you can start the game anew.
13. She hopes to erase the negative image that the scandal caused.
14. If you're not happy with your drawing, just erase it and start over.