Erase/ɪˈreɪs/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Physical Removal The term often indicates physically removing something, like pencil marks or chalk. She used an eraser to erase the doodle from her notebook. Pro Tip 2/3Complete Elimination Erase implies that something is wiped out so thoroughly it leaves no trace. The flood erased all the landmarks, making navigation difficult. Pro Tip 3/3Irreversible Action Usually, when you erase something, it cannot be retrieved or restored. She erased her ex-boyfriend's number from her phone.