Eliminate

Definition

Eliminate refers to the act of completely removing or getting rid of something. It can also imply the act of excluding or expelling someone or something.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈlɪməˌneɪt/
• Respelling: ih-LIM-uh-nayt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈlɪmɪneɪt/
• Respelling: ih-LIM-i-nayt

The pronunciation of "eliminate" is largely similar in both American and British English, with slight variation in vowel sounds.

Etymology

The word "eliminate" comes from the Latin word "eliminare," meaning "to turn out of doors," from "e-" (out) and "limen" (threshold). The term evolved to mean "to expel" and later "to remove or get rid of" in English by the early 17th century.

Derivatives

• Elimination (noun)
• Eliminator (noun)
• Eliminable (adjective)
• Re-eliminate (verb)
• Non-eliminable (adjective)

Synonyms

• Remove
• Eradicate
• Exterminate

Antonyms

• Include
• Retain
• Preserve

Usage

The word "eliminate" is commonly used in contexts where something is removed, expelled, or destroyed completely. It can refer to physical removal, such as eliminating waste, or abstract removal, such as eliminating a problem or threat.

Related Terms

• Exclude: To deny someone or something entry or consideration.
• Expel: To force someone or something out or away.
• Abolish: To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To completely remove or get rid of something: Describes the act of taking away something in its entirety.
  • Example: "They aimed to eliminate all risks from the process."
• To exclude someone or something from consideration: Refers to the act of leaving out or rejecting.
  • Example: "The team was eliminated from the competition in the first round."
• To kill or destroy: Refers to the act of exterminating or removing a person or thing completely.
  • Example: "The pests were eliminated using safe methods."