Phrasal verb
wipe out
Meanings
to destroy or eliminate something completely
to fall over or crash, especially while doing a sport or activity
to become extremely tired, often suddenly
Definition
To wipe out means to destroy or eliminate something completely.
To wipe out means to remove, destroy, or end something so that none of it remains. It is often used for disasters that destroy communities, for efforts that eliminate problems like pests, or for accidents where someone falls hard. In informal speech, it can also mean to become extremely tired.
Examples
- The wildfire wiped out several cabins near the lake.
- I wiped out on the ice and landed on my side.
- She wiped out after the long flight and fell asleep on the couch.
- They used nets to wipe out the invasive fish in the small pond.
Common mistake
Learners often say "wipe off" when they mean "wipe out" (complete destruction or elimination, not cleaning a surface).
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.