First Known Use: 1602
Dictionary
expunge
verb ex·punge \ik-ˈspənj\
: to remove (something) completely
ex·pungedex·pung·ing
Full Definition of EXPUNGE
transitive verb
1
: to strike out, obliterate, or mark for deletion
2
: to efface completely : destroy
3
: to eliminate (as a memory) from one's consciousness
— ex·pung·er noun
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Origin of EXPUNGE
Latin expungere to mark for deletion by dots, from ex- + pungere to prick — more at pungent
Related to EXPUNGE
- Synonyms
- abolish, black out, blot out, cancel, clean (up), efface, eradicate, erase, annihilate, exterminate, extirpate, liquidate, obliterate, root (out), rub out, snuff (out), stamp (out), sweep (away), wipe out
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