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remove

v. · n.
US //ɹiˈmuv// UK //ɹɪmˈuːv// re·move
  1. 1 to take away (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to take something away from a place or to move it.

    to take something away from a specific position or to shift it from one place to another. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    Please remove your shoes before you walk on the new carpet.

    Example

    The surgeon carefully removed the damaged tissue to prevent the infection from spreading to the healthy parts of the limb.
  2. 2 to get rid of (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to eliminate something, like a stain or a problem.

    to eliminate or get rid of something entirely, often something unwanted or problematic.

    Example

    This special soap will help you remove the ink stain from your shirt.

    Example

    The new software update was designed to remove several security vulnerabilities that had been discovered by the engineering team.
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  1. 3 to dismiss from a job (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    to force someone to leave their job or position of power.

    to dismiss or discharge someone from an office or position of authority. Often used in legal or political contexts.

    Example

    The board of directors voted to remove the CEO after the scandal.

    Example

    Under the current constitution, the president can only be removed from office if a two-thirds majority of the senate agrees.
  2. 4 to kill (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang

    to kill someone, usually to stop them from causing trouble.

    to kill or assassinate someone, typically as a means of eliminating a perceived threat or obstacle.

    Example

    In the movie, the spy was ordered to remove the double agent.

    Example

    The dictator sought to remove any political rivals who might challenge his absolute control over the military.
  3. 5 distance or separation (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Literary

    a distance or a step away from something else.

    a degree of separation or distance in space, time, or relation; most common in the phrase 'at a remove'.

    Example

    It is easier to judge the situation at a remove of several years.

    Example

    Watching the events unfold from a safe remove, the journalists were able to maintain a level of objectivity that those on the ground lacked.
Origin

From Middle English removen, from Anglo-Norman remover, removeir, from Old French remouvoir, from Latin removēre, from re- + movēre (“to move”), equivalent to re- + move. Displaced native Old English āfierran.

Word family

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