erase

Meanings

1. To remove (markings or information).
2. To obliterate information from (a storage medium), such as to clear or (with magnetic storage) to demagnetize.
3. To obliterate (information) from a storage medium, such as to clear or to overwrite.
4. To remove a runner from the bases via a double play or pick off play
5. To be erased (have markings removed, have information removed, or be cleared of information).
6. To disregard (a group, an orientation, etc.); to prevent from having an active role in society.
7. To kill; assassinate.

1. The operation of deleting data.

Etymology

From Latin erasus, past participle of eradere (“to scrape, to abrade”), from ex- (“out of”) + radere (“to scrape”). Compare Middle English arasen, aracen (“to eradicate, erase”). Displaced native Old English dilegian.