indelible

Indelible is an adjective meaning not able to be removed or washed away; permanent in effect or appearance. It can refer to physical marks that resist erasure, or to impressions on memory or conscience that endure.

Etymology traces to Latin indelibilis, from in- “not” + delibilis “able to be blotted out,” from delere “to blot out, erase.” The term entered English in the early modern period via French indélébile.

In practical use, indelible ink describes a pigment-based ink designed to resist fading and removal. It is used for official documentation, ballots, and other records where permanence is required. Indelible markings are typically more resistant than standard inks and may require specific solvents or abrasion to remove.

Metaphorically, indelible characterizes memories, impressions, or experiences that endure and resist forgetting. An indelible memory or impression remains vivid long after the event, shaping opinions or behavior. In this sense, the term conveys lasting significance rather than a physical property.

Notes and distinctions: indelibility implies permanence but does not guarantee that every surface or material is impervious to all removal methods; some indelible marks can still be altered under extreme conditions. The word often appears in legal, historical, psychological, and literary contexts to describe enduring effects.