-dəˌkāt, usu -ād.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin eradicatus, past participle of eradicare, from e- + radic-, radix root — more at root
1. : to pull up (as a weed) by the roots : uproot
perennial creeping rootstocks that are difficult to eradicate
2. : to do away with (something not wanted) : root out : destroy completely
aerial sprays that eradicate weeds, diseases, and insect pests from the wheat fields
a campaign that virtually eradicated illiteracy in the country
Synonyms: see exterminate