eradicate
Meaning: To destroy something completely so that it can never recur; to eliminate a disease, problem, or undesirable condition at its root.
Eradicate implies total, permanent elimination — not merely reduction or control. It is the strongest word in the spectrum of 'reduce → control → eliminate → eradicate.' The word is particularly associated with public health campaigns ('eradicate polio,' 'eradicate smallpox') and social policy ambitions ('eradicate poverty,' 'eradicate illiteracy'). Its etymological connection to uprooting a plant gives it a vivid metaphorical force.
Examples
- The World Health Organisation declared smallpox officially eradicated in 1980 after a decades-long campaign. 世界卫生组织在经过数十年的运动后,于1980年正式宣布天花被根除。La Organización Mundial de la Salud declaró la viruela oficialmente erradicada en 1980, tras una campaña de décadas.世界保健機関は、数十年にわたるキャンペーンの末、1980年に天然痘の根絶を正式に宣言した。세계보건기구는 수십 년에 걸친 캠페인 끝에 1980년 천연두의 근절을 공식 선언했다.
- The government pledged to eradicate child poverty by the end of the decade. 政府承诺在十年内根除儿童贫困。El gobierno se comprometió a erradicar la pobreza infantil antes de que acabase la década.政府は10年以内に子どもの貧困を根絶することを誓約した。정부는 10년 내에 아동 빈곤을 근절하겠다고 공약했다.
- Efforts to eradicate invasive species from the island have met with mixed results. 从该岛根除入侵物种的努力取得了参差不齐的成果。Los esfuerzos por erradicar las especies invasoras de la isla han obtenido resultados dispares.その島から侵略的外来種を根絶する取り組みは、さまざまな結果に終わっている。그 섬에서 침입성 외래종을 근절하려는 노력은 엇갈린 결과를 낳고 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: medical, political, academic
Tone: determined
Origin & History
From Latin eradicare (to root out), from e- (out) + radix (root). The literal image is of pulling a plant out by its roots so it cannot grow back. Entered English in the 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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