Phrasal verb
do away with
Meanings
to eliminate or get rid of something; to stop it from existing or being used
to end a custom or practice, often by introducing a new way of doing things
Definition
To do away with something means to get rid of it or stop it from existing or being used.
To do away with something is to eliminate it so it is no longer needed, allowed, or present. People often use it when talking about removing rules, traditions, systems, or unnecessary items. It can also mean ending a practice and replacing it with something better or simpler.
Examples
- The school decided to do away with uniforms next year.
- I want to do away with clutter in my apartment this weekend.
- They voted to do away with the old sign-up process and simplify it.
- Our team did away with unnecessary meetings to save time.
Common mistake
Learners often say "do away" without "with" (but it should be "do away with" + noun).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.