To wipe off is to remove something from a surface by rubbing: She wiped the dust off the counter, He wiped off his glasses.
The phrase can emphasize complete removal: wipe that smirk off your face.
In finance, to wipe off value is to eliminate it suddenly: The crash wiped billions off the market.
1. erase — remove, Take something away; eliminate (Remove completely); delete (Remove or erase); expunge (Delete entirely, officially); obliterate · efface · clear · eradicate · mark · stain · blemish · fingerprint · writing · whiteboard
2. clean — towel, Absorbent fabric for drying; rag (Worn piece of fabric); sponge (Absorbent cleaning material); cloth (Woven or knit material); washcloth · napkin · tissue · paper towel · scrub · rinse · soap · detergent · disinfect · sanitize
Opposites
cleaning action methodwipe off ≠ rinse Wash without scrubbing; scrub · hose down · soak · blast off · pressure wash
surface accumulationwipe off ≠ apply Put into operation; put on · rub in · coat · deposit
debt/record cancellation (figurative)wipe off ≠ incur Become liable for; accrue · rack up · record · add to · accumulate
Categories
deletion: delete, erase, erasure, cross out, strike out; wipes
Family
off, wipe, wiped, wiping, wipes, wipeout, unwiped, wipeouts, wipeable
- Familiarity
- Top 20,000
- Profile
- Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G