First Known Use: 1605
Dictionary
erase
verb \i-ˈrās, British -ˈrāz\
: to remove (something that has been recorded) from a tape (such as a videotape or audiotape) or a computer disk; also : to remove recorded material from (a tape or disk)
: to remove (something written) by rubbing or scraping so that it can no longer be seen
: to remove something written from (a surface)
erasederas·ing
Full Definition of ERASE
transitive verb
1
a : to rub or scrape out (as written, painted, or engraved letters) <erase an error> b : to remove written or drawn marks from <erase a blackboard> c : to remove (recorded matter) from a magnetic medium; also : to remove recorded matter from <erase a videotape> d : to delete from a computer storage device <erase a file>
2
a : to remove from existence or memory as if by erasing b : to nullify the effect or force of
intransitive verb
See erase defined for English-language learners
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Origin of ERASE
Latin erasus, past participle of eradere, from e- + radere to scratch, scrape — more at rodent
Related to ERASE
- Synonyms
- abolish, black out, blot out, cancel, clean (up), efface, eradicate, annihilate, expunge, exterminate, extirpate, liquidate, obliterate, root (out), rub out, snuff (out), stamp (out), sweep (away), wipe out
Rhymes with ERASE
abase, airspace, Alsace, ambsace, apace, backspace, best-case, biface, birthplace, blackface, boldface, bookcase, bootlace, braincase, briefcase, clubface, crankcase, cyclase, debase, deface, disgrace, displace, dogface, doughface, efface, embrace, emplace, encase, enchase, enlace, euclase, firebase, fireplace, footpace, footrace, foreface, freebase, gyrase, half-space, hard case, headspace, hydrase, Jerez, kinase, lactase, lightface, lipase, lyase, maltase, manes, millrace, milreis, misplace, mutase, notecase, null-space, nutcase, outface, outpace, outrace, paleface, postface, Quilmes, replace, scapegrace, shoelace, showcase, showplace, slipcase, smearcase, someplace, staircase, subbase, subspace, suitcase, tailrace, tenace, typeface, ukase, unbrace, unlace, watchcase, wheelbase, whey-face, whiteface, workplace, worst-case
ERASING Defined for Kids
erase
verb \i-ˈrās\
erasederas·ing
Definition of ERASE for Kids
1
: to cause to disappear by rubbing or scraping <erase a chalk mark>
2
: to remove marks from <erase a chalkboard>
3
: to remove recorded matter from <erase a CD>
— eras·er \i-ˈrā-sər\ noun
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