払拭する

• Reading: ふっしょくする
• Romaji: fusshokusuru
• Kanji breakdown: 払 (futsu/hara) — sweep away; 拭 (shoku) — wipe, clean
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯs.ɕo.kɯ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To wipe away; to dispel; to erase; to eliminate completely.

A Group 3 (suru) compound verb used in formal and written contexts. Collocates strongly with abstract negatives that need to be removed: 不安を払拭する (dispel anxiety), 疑念を払拭する (eliminate suspicion), イメージを払拭する (shake off an image). The nuance is of thorough, complete removal rather than partial reduction.

Examples

1. 新製品の発売で、企業への不信感を払拭することに成功した。 With the launch of the new product, the company succeeded in dispelling public distrust.
2. 首相は記者会見で疑惑を払拭しようと試みたが、説明は不十分だった。 The prime minister attempted to wipe away suspicions at the press conference, but the explanation was inadequate.
3. 長年のネガティブなイメージを払拭するのは容易ではない。 It is no easy task to shake off a long-standing negative image.

Usage Guide

Context: journalism, politics, business, PR

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound from 払 (harai, sweep/払う) and 拭 (shoku, wipe). Both components relate to cleaning and removing; together they form a double-strength sense of thoroughly wiping something away, originally used for cleansing rituals and dust removal.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated