WIPE OUT

National Parks

📖 Definition

Wipe out means to completely destroy, remove, or annihilate something, often with the implication of being thorough and leaving nothing behind.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

Wipe out means to completely destroy, remove, or annihilate something, often with the implication of being thorough and leaving nothing behind.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can go between 'wipe' and 'out' or after 'wipe out'.
Register
Neutral
Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object to receive the action.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple wipe out They wipe out pests regularly to maintain the crops.
Past Simple wiped out The disease wiped out entire communities in the 19th century.
Present Continuous wiping out The company is wiping out old debts systematically.
Present Perfect have wiped out They have wiped out all their competition.

💡 When to Use

After a total eradication
Use when describing an event or action that leads to the complete destruction or removal of something.
Example: "The virus wiped out the city’s population within weeks."
Describing physical or material losses
Use when referring to the obliteration of tangible assets, such as buildings or crops.
Example: "The wildfire wiped out thousands of acres of forest."
Discussing overcoming challenges
Employ when conveying how an obstacle or difficulty was completely removed or defeated.
Example: "Innovations wiped out the barriers to production efficiency."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong object placement
❌ Wrong: Wipe the out problem.
✅ Correct: Wipe out the problem.
💡 Tip: Remember: The object can fit in between or after 'wipe out', not inside.
Incorrect verb tense
❌ Wrong: Wipes out the pests last night.
✅ Correct: Wiped out the pests last night.
💡 Tip: Match your verb tense with the sentence's context.
Intransitive usage
❌ Wrong: The situation wiped out.
✅ Correct: The problem wiped out the situation.
💡 Tip: Wipe out always needs an object to act upon.
Practice

WIPE OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

eradicate annihilate

Antonyms

preserve

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The sudden storm ___ the entire village."

wiping off
wipe out
whipped out
woke out

"Attempting to wipe out the struggles of life extinguishes the potential for growth that arises from overcoming them, shaping one's true self."

In Context

In 1906, San Francisco was struck by a massive earthquake that, along with subsequent fires, wiped out much of the city. The earthquake, occurring on April 18, reached an estimated magnitude of 7.9 and caused immediate devastation, destroying buildings and infrastructure. Fires raged in its aftermath, wiping out what little remained of certain areas due to broken gas lines fueling uncontrollable blazes. As the city grappled with the destruction, over 3,000 lives were lost, and around 80% of San Francisco lay in ruins. Relief efforts initially struggled to make headway as fires continued to wipe out streets in their path. The military swiftly took charge of relief operations, setting up tent camps and distributing food. Over the next few months, impressive efforts began to rebuild the city from the ashes. San Francisco's remarkable resilience allowed it to rise anew, ensuring that the disaster did not wipe out the spirit and determination of its people. By preserving key architectural designs and implementing stricter building codes, the city fortified itself against future catastrophes, transforming the narrative into one of rebirth and strength.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Wipe Out

What is the origin of wipe out?

+
Wipe out originated from the 1600s, combining 'wipe', meaning to 'rub or clean away', with 'out', emphasizing total removal. It evolved into the figurative sense of eradicating something completely, such as an issue or adversary, by the late 1800s.

Can wipe out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, wipe out can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality in register makes it suitable for academic writing as well as casual speech, depending on the situation described, whether technical destruction or personal achievement.

What is the difference between wipe out and eradicate?

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While both suggest total removal or destruction, 'wipe out' often connotes a more sudden or forceful action, possibly with broader impact or extent, whereas 'eradicate' implies a methodical, thoroughly planned process of complete elimination.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

tire outwear outknock outburn outclear out
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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