erase
erase \i-'ra-s\ vb [L erasus, pp. of eradere, fr. e- + radere to
scratch,]scrape - more at RAT 1a: to rub or scrape out (as written,
painted, or engraved letters) 1b: to remove (recorded matter) from a
magnetic tape or wire 2: to remove from existence or memory as if by
erasing : to yield to being erased (out), DELETE: ERASE implies the act
of rubbing or wiping out (letters or impressions) often in preparation for
correction or new matter; EXPUNGE stresses a removal or destruction that
leaves no trace; CANCEL implies an action (as marking, revoking, or
neutralizing) that makes a thing no longer effective or usable; EFFACE
implies the removal of an impression by damage to or wearing off of the
surface; OBLITERATE and BLOT (out) both imply a covering up or smearing
over that removes all traces of a thing's existence; DELETE implies a
deliberate exclusion, or a marking to direct exclusion, or written matter
SYN syn EXPUNGE, CANCEL, EFFACE, OBLITERATE, BLOT