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to wipe

to wipe

46 3.6
To erase all data on a computer or phone so it cannot be recovered
  • verb
  • /waɪp/
  • Specialized
: borrar
  • For example, heavy hail can wipe out a crop of wheat and other grains.
  • wipe clean

Examples

  • 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.

  • 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

to delete
vsto wipe
370 2.0

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

implies deeper sanitization rather than simple removal or hiding
to wipe out
vsto wipe
347 4.2

Destroy something so nothing is left

is specific to secure digital data erasure, not just destruction
to clean
vsto wipe
210 1.0

To empty something completely

is about secure data removal from storage rather than general cleaning tasks
to clean out
vsto wipe
185 3.2

Empty a place or container by removing everything inside

applies to complete digital erasure, not physical cleaning of places
to obliterate
vsto wipe
67 7.5

To destroy something completely so nothing remains

applies to careful sanitization to prevent data recovery, not general destruction
to erase
vsto wipe
19 1.6

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

focuses on irreversible sanitization preventing any data recovery
to overwrite
vsto wipe
  • Specialized
10 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
to clear
vsto wipe
  • Specialized
7 4.9

To remove stored information from a device

is targeted at secure erasure preventing any recovery, not just reset
to unwrite
vsto wipe
1 9.7

To remove text from paper or a screen

refers to thorough media sanitization making recovery impossible
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
to sweep away
vsto wipe
3.9

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

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

Antonyms

261 3.5

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

Idioms

9 7.5

To beat someone completely in a game or contest

9 5.0

To start fresh by forgetting past mistakes and problems

Phrasal Verbs

347 4.2

Destroy something so nothing is left

131 1.0

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

47 2.0

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

12 1.8

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

to wipe the snot
  • Informal
1 8.7

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

Compounds

3 1.3

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

How Thorough

to wipe
  • Specialized
46 3.6
to shred
116 2.6
to overwrite
  • Specialized
10 5.3
to sanitize
  • Specialized
1 4.7
to format
  • Specialized
5 4.8
to delete
370 2.0

Surface Forms

wipe infinitive
wiped past
wiped past participle
wiping present participle
wipes third person singular

Etymology

Wipe in computing is a modern use of the old verb wipian ('to rub away'); like wiping a board clean, to wipe a disk is to erase everything so the data cannot be recovered.