to wipe

Examples

• All

• What input would be wiped out by this filter?

• We're going to upload it on the cloud, wipe your phone and burn all that stuff.

• Investigators took wipe samples weekly for four weeks by wiping the entire area with a laboratory wipe.

  Academic text (2004)

• But a lifetime of good work can be wiped out by one unforgettable error.

  Academic text (1996)

• To prevent the vault from ever being accessed by a ring, all images and schematics have been wiped from GUN's database.

  Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)

• Putin won political credit for wiping out delays in paying pensions and public-sector wages.

  Academic text (2002)

• Before selling the old computer, I made sure to wipe the hard drive to protect my privacy.

• You should always wipe your device clean before donating it to someone else.

• The technician recommended that I wipe the data on my tablet to prevent unauthorized access.

Synonyms

D

to delete

vsto wipe

287 2.0

To remove information like text or files so it cannot be seen

implies deeper sanitization rather than simple removal or hiding

C

to clean

vsto wipe

260 1.0

To empty something completely

is about secure data removal from storage rather than general cleaning tasks

W

to wipe out

vsto wipe

189 4.2

Destroy something so nothing is left

is specific to secure digital data erasure, not just destruction

E

to erase

vsto wipe

144 1.6

Remove marks, writing, or digital files so they are no longer visible

focuses on irreversible sanitization preventing any data recovery

C

to clean out

vsto wipe

91 3.2

Empty a place or container by removing everything inside

applies to complete digital erasure, not physical cleaning of places

O

to obliterate

vsto wipe

71 7.5

To destroy something completely so nothing remains

applies to careful sanitization to prevent data recovery, not general destruction

C

to clear

vsto wipe

• Specialized

24 4.9

To remove stored information from a device

is targeted at secure erasure preventing any recovery, not just reset

O

to overwrite

vsto wipe

• Specialized

5 5.3

To write new data in a file so the old data is lost

uses full-data erasure to ensure nothing can be recovered

S

to sweep away

vsto wipe

1 3.9

To destroy or carry something away completely, for example by water

focuses on data sanitization to make recovery impossible, not broad removal

P

to powerwash

vsto wipe

• Specialized

6.5

To erase all user data and settings and return a device to factory settings

is a secure full sanitization that prevents data recovery

U

to unwrite

vsto wipe

9.7

To remove text from paper or a screen

refers to thorough media sanitization making recovery impossible

Antonyms

R

to restore

219 3.5

Return something like a painting or building to its original working condition

Idioms

W

to wipe the floor with

• Informal

8 7.5

To beat someone completely in a game or contest

W

to wipe the slate clean

• Informal

8 5.0

To start fresh by forgetting past mistakes and problems

Phrasal Verbs

W

to wipe out

189 4.2

Destroy something so nothing is left

W

to wipe away

28 2.0

To remove something from a surface by moving a cloth over it, like tears or dirt

W

to wipe off

20 1.0

Remove dirt or marks from a surface by rubbing with a cloth

W

to wipe up

8 1.8

To clean a surface using a cloth or towel to remove a spill

W

to wipe the snot

• Informal

8.7

To remove wet stuff from a nose using a tissue or sleeve

Compounds

W

wet wipe

3 1.3

A small soft disposable cloth made slightly wet to clean skin or surfaces

How Thorough

to wipe

• Specialized

308 3.6

to shred

112 2.6

to overwrite

• Specialized

5 5.3

to sanitize

• Specialized

2 4.7

to format

• Specialized

5 4.8

to delete

287 2.0

Surface Forms

Etymology