Do away with Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Complete Elimination The phrase emphasizes a full removal of something, often radically or thoroughly. The school decided to do away with homework over the weekend. Pro Tip 2/3Change Resistance People may resist when familiar systems or traditions are 'done away with'. The members were upset when the club did away with its annual picnic. Pro Tip 3/3Progress or Modernization Often used when updating or modernizing something by removing outdated parts. The new manager wants to do away with all the old filing systems.