menghapus

Menghapus is a verb in Indonesian that means to delete, erase, or remove something from a medium or record. It is commonly used for both digital data and physical marks, such as deleting a file, erasing writing on a board, or removing a personal detail from a document. The term can also be used figuratively, as in removing traces or correcting an error.

The word is formed from the root hapus with the prefix meN-, resulting in menghapus. In Indonesian phonology, the meN- prefix assimilates before certain initial sounds, and for the root hapus (starting with h) it becomes meng-hapus. The simple form can also appear as menghapuskan, which adds the suffix -kan and conveys a sense of erase completely or eradicate, as in menghapuskan jejak.

Usage and nuance: menghapus is transitive and requires a direct object, for example, menghapus file, menghapus data pribadi, or menghapus catatan. It is often used in computing contexts to indicate permanent deletion, and in everyday language to describe erasing marks, removing mistakes, or eliminating information. Related expressions include menghilangkan (to remove or eliminate) and menghapus jejak (to wipe one’s traces). Antonyms include mempertahankan (to retain) and menyimpan (to save).

See also: hapus (root word), menghilangkan, menghapuskan, mempertahankan, menyimpan.