# delete

/dɪˈɫit/ (US) · /dɪlˈiːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/delete
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to remove data or text

verb · CEFR A2

to remove words, files, or pictures from a computer or a document.

For teachers: to remove or erase recorded information, particularly digital data or written text. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- I accidentally deleted the wrong photo from my phone.
- The system administrator had to delete several redundant files to free up space on the primary server before the update could proceed.

Usage: Commonly used with digital objects like files, emails, and folders.

### 2. to kill or defeat

verb · CEFR C2 · Slang

to kill someone or to completely defeat an opponent in a game.

For teachers: to murder a person or to decisively dominate an opponent in a competitive digital environment.

- The main character was deleted in the final episode of the show.
- In the high-stakes tournament, the underdog team managed to delete their rivals in a matter of minutes.

Teaching tip: This is a metaphorical extension of the computing sense; it is very informal and often found in gaming communities or internet subcultures.

### 3. the keyboard key

noun · CEFR B1

the specific button on a computer keyboard used to remove text.

For teachers: the physical key on a computer keyboard that removes the character following the cursor or deletes selected objects.

- Press delete to remove the highlighted sentence.
- On most modern keyboards, the delete key is positioned near the backspace key but performs a distinct function by erasing text from left to right.

Usage: Often used as a proper noun 'Delete' when referring to the specific label on the key.

## Examples

- I need to delete these old emails to save space.
- Be careful not to delete the final version of the report before you have made a backup copy.
- The system is programmed to delete temporary files automatically after thirty days to ensure the server maintains optimal processing speeds and storage capacity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.