E-rād’i-cāte, v. t.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. ERADICATED; p. pr. & vb. n. ERADICATING.] [Lat. eradicare, eradicatum, from e, out, and radix, root; It. eradicare, Pr. & Sp. eradicar.] 1. To pull up by the roots; to destroy at the roots; to extirpate; to root out. An oak tree eradicated, that is, torn up by the roots. W. Scott. 2. To put an end to; to destroy thoroughly; to get rid of completely; as, to eradicate diseases, or errors. This, though now an old and inveterate evil, might be eradicated by vigorous treatment. Southey. Syn.—To extirpate; root out; exterminate; destroy.