expunging
|ɪk-ˈspʌn-dʒɪŋ|
/ɪkˈspʌndʒ/
(expunge)
erase completely
Etymology
'expunge' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'expungere', where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'pungere' meant 'to prick (or pierce)'.
'expunge' changed from Latin 'expungere' into Old French/Anglo-Norman forms (e.g. 'espungier') and Middle English (e.g. 'expungen'), eventually becoming the modern English word 'expunge'.
Initially, it meant 'to prick out or blot out' (literally to remove by piercing/marking out), but over time it evolved into the current meaning of 'to erase or remove completely, especially from records'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle or gerund form of 'expunge'.
The committee is considering expunging the inaccurate records from the files.
Synonyms
Verb 2
the act of removing, erasing, or striking out completely (especially from a record or document).
Expunging sensitive information from the report improved its suitability for public release.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/15 20:00