Emphasizes complete removal, usually involving physical effort or force. After the storm, we had to root up several upturned bushes.
Pro Tip 2/3
Total Elimination
Used when talking about getting rid of unwanted things, not just partially but completely. The gardener recommended we root up the invasive species.
Pro Tip 3/3
Literal Usage
Most commonly used in a literal sense, not metaphorically, to describe the action of removing by the roots. You might need special tools to root up that old stump.