Extirpate

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈɛkstɜːpeɪt/
• US IPA: /ˈɛkstɝːpeɪt/

Origin

From Latin exstirpō ("uproot"), from ex- ("out of") + stirps ("the lower part of the trunk of a tree, including the roots; the stem, stalk")

Full definition of extirpate

Verb

1. (transitive, obsolete) To clear an area of roots and stumps.
2. (transitive) To pull up by the roots; uproot.
3. (transitive) To destroy completely; to annihilate.
4. (transitive) To surgically remove.

Synonyms

• (to pull up by the roots) uproot, eradicate, extricate, deracinate
• (to destroy completely) annihilate, destroy, eradicate, exterminate
• (to surgically remove) excise

Related terms

• extirp
• extirpation
• extirpative
• extirpator