erase

Make it vanish

Erase means to remove something, typically marks from a surface.

You erase pencil with a rubber eraser, chalk from a blackboard, files from a hard drive.

The word extends to removing anything as if by rubbing out: erase the memory, erase all doubt.

To erase someone from history is to eliminate their record or legacy entirely.

delete

delete

Remove or erase

excise · obliterate · wipe · rub out · scratch out · cross out · strike · cancel · clear · blank out

invalidate

void

Without legal effect

cancel · negate · rescind · quash · overturn · reverse · retract · repeal · abrogate · vacate

digital

delete

Remove or erase

  • backspaceKeyboard's leftward eraser
  • clearWithout obstruction or fog
  • undoReverse a prior action

ctrl-z · format · overwrite · shred · uninstall · reset · factory reset · recycle bin · trash · data destruction

destroy

obliterate

Destroy all traces of

wipe out · extirpate · demolish · raze · decimate · devastate · liquidate · purge · abolish · vanquish

memory

forget

Fail to recall

block out · oblivion · blank · memory loss · dissociation · unlearn · fade · let go · move on · closure

demagnetize

degauss

Neutralize magnetic properties

cassette · floppy disk · hard drive · tape head · magnetic field · data wipe · audio tape · video tape · analog recording

Categories
Opposites
existence/creation

erasecreate

Cause to exist

write · add · insert · make · inscribe

preservation/destruction

erasepreserve

Protect from loss

save · conserve · protect · keep · maintain

recording/documentation

eraserecord

Preserved account or achievement

write · tape · inscribe · document · log

Phrases
Family

eraser, eradicate, erased, erasing, erases, erasers, erasure, erasable, unerasable

Familiarity
Top 3,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G