extirpate

[ek-ster-peyt]

extirpate Definition

• 1. to remove or destroy completely
• 2. to pull up by the roots
• 3. to cut out by surgery

Using extirpate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "extirpate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The government is trying to extirpate corruption from the system.

• Example

  The invasive species needs to be extirpated from the ecosystem.

• Example

  The tumor was extirpated successfully by the surgeon.

• Example

  The weeds were extirpated from the garden.

extirpate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for extirpate

• eradicate
• eliminate
• annihilate
• obliterate
• exterminate

Antonyms for extirpate

• implant
• introduce
• establish

Idioms Using extirpate

• root and branch

  completely, thoroughly, or totally

  Example

  The new CEO promised to extirpate corruption root and branch.

• pull up stakes

  to leave a place or situation suddenly or quickly

  Example

  After the divorce, she decided to pull up stakes and move to a new city.

• cut out

  to remove something completely, especially by surgery

  Example

  The surgeon had to cut out the tumor to prevent it from spreading.

Phrases with extirpate

• extirpate a culture

  to destroy or remove a culture completely

  Example

  The colonial powers tried to extirpate the indigenous cultures of the Americas.

• extirpate a language

  to destroy or remove a language completely

  Example

  The government's policies led to the extirpation of several minority languages.

• extirpate a tradition

  to destroy or remove a tradition completely

  Example

  The modernization of society has led to the extirpation of many traditional practices.

Origins of extirpate

from Latin 'extirpatus', meaning 'rooted out'

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Summary: extirpate in Brief

The verb 'extirpate' [ek-ster-peyt] means to remove or destroy completely, often by pulling up by the roots or cutting out by surgery. It can refer to anything from corruption to invasive species, as in 'The government is trying to extirpate corruption from the system.' 'Extirpate' can also be used in phrases like 'extirpate a culture,' meaning to destroy a culture completely, and idioms like 'root and branch,' meaning completely or thoroughly.