eradicare

Eradicare is an Italian verb meaning to eradicate, to root out completely, or to eliminate something at its source. It is transitive and belongs to the first conjugation (-are). In normal use it takes a direct object, for example eradicare una malattia (to eradicate a disease) or eradicare una piaga (to root out a scourge).

Origin and forms: The verb derives from Latin eradicare, related to radicare (to root). The noun form eradicazione is common, referring to the act of eradication.

Usage and nuance: Eradicare conveys a thorough, long-lasting removal, often in health, agriculture, or social policy. It is stronger than verbs such as eliminare or rimuovere and can carry either literal or figurative meaning (eradicare superstizioni, eradicare una pratica illegale).

Examples: Public health campaigns aim to eradicate malaria or smallpox; agricultural programs seek to eradicate invasive species or pests; policy discussions sometimes set goals to eradicate poverty.

Synonyms and related terms: sradicare, eliminare, estirpare, abolire; eradicazione is the noun form.