根絶

• Reading: こんぜつ
• Romaji: konzetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 根 (kon) — root, origin; 絶 (zetsu) — cut off, extinguish
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɴ.ze.tsɯ/

Meaning

Eradication; extermination; rooting out. The complete and permanent elimination of something harmful.

Used with する (根絶する) to describe the thorough elimination of disease, poverty, discrimination, crime, or other societal problems. The prefix 根 (root) emphasises that the elimination goes to the very source — not merely suppressing symptoms but destroying the underlying cause. It is a strong term implying comprehensive and lasting success, and often appears in public health, policy, and advocacy contexts.

Examples

1. ポリオの根絶に向けた国際的なワクチン接種キャンペーンは大きな成果を上げた。 The international vaccination campaign aimed at eradicating polio has achieved significant results.
2. あらゆる形の差別を社会から根絶することは容易ではないが、諦めてはならない。 Eradicating all forms of discrimination from society is no easy task, but it is not something we can give up on.
3. 害虫の根絶には短期的な駆除だけでなく、生息環境の改善が不可欠だ。 Eradicating pests requires not only short-term extermination measures but also improvement of their habitat.

Usage Guide

Context: public health, policy, advocacy, environment

Tone: determined

Origin & History

Compound of 根 (kon, root, origin) and 絶 (zetsu, cut off, extinguish). Together they convey the severing of something at its root, ensuring it cannot grow back. The term reflects a zero-tolerance approach to harmful phenomena.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal