# erasure

/ɪɹˈeɪʒɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/erasure
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the act of removing something completely, especially the history or identity of a group of people. It often happens when a powerful group tries to make another group's culture or existence disappear.

For teachers: the systematic removal or suppression of a group's identity, culture, or history. Often used in sociological and historical contexts to describe the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage or the silencing of marginalized voices.

## Examples

- The erasure of local languages is a major concern for many historians.
- The new urban development project led to the erasure of the neighborhood's unique cultural identity and historical landmarks.
- Scholars argue that the erasure of indigenous oral traditions during the colonial period resulted in a profound loss of historical knowledge that cannot be fully recovered by modern documentation.

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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.