Delete — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /di-ˈlēt/ de·lete

Meaning & Definition of Delete

Delete (verb)

  1. to eliminate especially by blotting out, cutting out, or erasing

Delete (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to show (something written) to be no longer valid by drawing a cross over or a line through it

    "the teacher deleted the last line of the student's essay, wisely sensing that it lessened the impact"

    similar: blue-pencil, cancel, cross (out), dele, edit (out), elide, kill, scratch (out), strike (out), stroke (out), x (out)
    related: blot out, efface, eradicate, erase, expunge, obliterate, root (out), rub out, wipe out, bleep, blip, clip, cut, excise, remove, bowdlerize, censor, clean (up), expurgate, launder, redact, red-pencil, abbreviate, crop, shorten, black out, repress, silence, suppress

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Delete

The most common words with a similar meaning to Delete:

blue-pencil, cancel, cross (out), dele, edit (out), elide, kill, scratch (out), strike (out), stroke (out), x (out)

Related Words for Delete

blot out, efface, eradicate, erase, expunge, obliterate, root (out), rub out, wipe out, bleep, blip, clip, cut, excise, remove, bowdlerize, censor, clean (up), expurgate, launder, redact, red-pencil, abbreviate, crop, shorten, black out, repress, silence, suppress

Word Forms of Delete

Inflections: deleted, deleting

Derived words: deletable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Delete

Latin deletus, past participle of delēre to wipe out, destroy

First known use: 1540

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Delete

Words & Phrases Containing Delete

delete key

Frequently Asked Questions about Delete

What does "Delete" mean?

"Delete" means to eliminate especially by blotting out, cutting out, or erasing. As a verb, it is defined as: to eliminate especially by blotting out, cutting out, or erasing.

What is another word for "Delete"?

Other words for "Delete" include blue-pencil, cancel, cross (out), dele, edit (out), elide, kill and scratch (out). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Delete" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Delete"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Delete". Common alternatives include blue-pencil, cancel, cross (out), dele, edit (out), elide, kill, scratch (out), strike (out) and stroke (out).

How do you use "Delete" in a sentence?

Examples of "Delete" in a sentence: "the teacher deleted the last line of the student's essay, wisely sensing that it lessened the impact".

Is "Delete" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Delete" is a verb.

Is "Delete" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Delete" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Delete"?

"Delete" is pronounced /di-ˈlēt/ and divided into syllables as de·lete.

What is the origin of the word "Delete"?

"Delete" comes from Latin deletus, past participle of delēre to wipe out, destroy. First known use: 1540.