Eliminate
To remove something completely or to exclude it from consideration.
verbEliminate
To remove something completely or to exclude it from consideration.
verbImagine This
Picture a cluttered desk in a student's room. One by one you eliminate items you no longer need, until only the essential tools remain—papers are tossed, unused gadgets are donated, and the space feels clean and efficient.
Sounds Like
ih-LIM-uh-nayt
Looks Like
Looks like the word 'limit' with extra letters added in the middle; the root 'limen' (threshold) hints at removing boundaries.
Remember This
Eliminate often implies complete removal, not just partial reduction. It is commonly used with problems, pests, or options (as in a policy or a competition).
Other Forms
Connect With
remove, eradicate, expunge, purge, do away with
Note
Use eliminate with a direct object (you eliminate something or someone from a group, a list, or a problem). Not interchangeable with 'exclude' or 'omit' in all contexts; 'exclude' can mean to leave out, but not always to remove what's already present. Be mindful of tone: 'eliminate' can sound harsh when referring to people.