erased; erasing; erases
Synonyms of erasenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to rub or scrape out (something, such as written, painted, or engraved letters)
erase an error
b
: to remove written or drawn marks from
erase a blackboard
c
: to remove (recorded matter) from a magnetic medium (such as magnetic tape)
also : to remove recorded matter from
erase a hard drive
d
: to delete from computer storage
erase a file
2
a
: to remove from existence or memory as if by erasing
b
: to nullify the effect or force of

intransitive verb

: to yield to erasure

Examples of erase in a Sentence

The recording can be erased and the tape used again. Several important files were accidentally erased. You can erase the tape and use it again. She erased the wrong answer from her paper and filled in the correct one. I erased the chalk marks from the blackboard.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The big one, of course, is that NASCAR created a new playoff format meant to erase luck. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026 Former Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels, now with Tampa Bay, led two second-half touchdown drives to erase a 9-0 deficit and hand the Chiefs their second preseason loss. Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 With only Lucien, a freshly out twink with more heart than abs, still by his side, Jim must race to find a cure before the disease erases the community that once worshipped him. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 When the option of erasing heartbreak is so readily available, is this a kindness or a cruel, emotional violation? Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for erase

Word History

Etymology

Latin erasus, past participle of eradere, from e- + radere to scratch, scrape — more at rodent

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of erase was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Erase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erase. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

erased; erasing
1
a
: to rub out (as something written)
b
: to remove written or drawn marks from
erase a chalkboard
c
: to remove recorded matter from
erase a videotape
d
: to delete from a computer storage device
erase a file
2
: to remove as if by erasing
erase an event from one's memory

Legal Definition

erase

transitive verb
erased; erasing
: to seal and protect (criminal records) from disclosure
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