transitive verb erased erased′, erasing eras′·ing

1. to rub, scrape, or wipe out (esp. written or engraved letters); efface; expunge
2. to remove (something recorded) from (magnetic tape)
3. to remove any sign of; obliterate, as from the mind
4. to remove (data) from a computer storage device
5. Slang to kill

Etymology: < L erasus, pp. of eradere, to scratch out < e-, out + radere, to scrape, scratch: see rat