expunge

/ɪkˈspʌndʒ/ (bre, ipa) · [ɪkspˈʌndʒ] /ɪkˈspʌndʒ/ (ame, ipa) · [ɪkspˈʌndʒ] /ik-ˈspənj How to pronounce expunge (audio)/ (ame, mw)

expunge — verb

  • expungepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • expungeshe / she / it
  • expungedpast simple
  • expunging-ing form

1. to take a name, detail, or official record out of a document, list, or file so i

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to take a name, detail, or official record out of a document, list, or file so it is no longer kept there

例句

The judge agreed to expunge Layla's old record after her appeal.

expunge + record in a formal legal setting

An assistant expunged Ignacio's name from the printed guest list.

expunge + name from + list

同義詞
  • delete

    the usual everyday word, especially for digital information

  • erase

    often suggests rubbing or wiping something away

  • strike out

    focuses on crossing words through in writing

反義詞
  • keep

    continue to have the item in the record

  • retain

    more formal, especially in official records

文法句型

expunge + item + from + document

be expunged from + official record

用法筆記

Common in legal and other official contexts. The thing removed is usually a charge, name, date, or record that appears in written or stored form, often with from + record, list, or file.

常見錯誤

❌I expunged the photo from my phone.
✅I deleted the photo from my phone.
💡'expunge' sounds formal and is mainly used for records, names, or official information.

2. to make a memory, image, or painful event disappear from someone's thoughts so t

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make a memory, image, or painful event disappear from someone's thoughts so they no longer remember it clearly

例句

Noa could not expunge the crash from her mind for months.

expunge + event from + mind

Years abroad never expunged Sayaka's childhood fear of deep water.

同義詞
  • erase

    the nearest general verb for making something disappear from memory

  • blot out

    suggests blocking or covering a memory

  • wipe out

    stronger and less formal

反義詞
  • remember

    keep the event in your mind

  • recall

    bring the memory back deliberately

文法句型

expunge + memory/image + from + mind

expunge + event + from + memory

用法筆記

Used for memories, images, and feelings that stay in the mind. It is stronger and more formal than forget, often suggesting an attempt to wipe the memory away completely.

常見錯誤

❌I expunged to call my aunt yesterday.
✅I forgot to call my aunt yesterday.
💡'expunge' is not a general word for ordinary forgetting; it refers to wiping something from the mind.