ENGLISH
REFERENCE

eradication

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ɪˌɹædəˈkeɪʃən// UK //ɪɹˌædɪkˈeɪʃən// erad·i·ca·tion

n. the complete removal or destruction of something bad, like a disease or a social problem. It means getting rid of it so it never comes back.

n. the complete destruction or elimination of something, typically a disease, pest, or social evil. Refers to total removal rather than mere reduction.


SIMPLE

The eradication of smallpox is a major medical success.

CONTEXTUAL

Public health officials are working toward the global eradication of polio through mass vaccination programs.

COMPLEX

The total eradication of invasive species from the island required years of meticulous monitoring and the implementation of strict biosecurity protocols to prevent reintroduction.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Latin ērādīcātiō, from ērādīcō + -tiō, from ē- (“out”) + rādīx (“root”) + -ō. Equivalent to eradicate + -ion or e- (“without”) + radication.

Usage

Often paired with the preposition 'of' to specify the target being eliminated.

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