Definition
清除 (qīngchú) means 'to clear away, eliminate, get rid of' — it's a general-purpose verb for removing unwanted things, whether physical (snow, files) or abstract (toxins, obstacles). Compared to 清理 (qīnglǐ), which implies tidying up or organizing a space, 清除 focuses on complete removal or eradication. 消除 (xiāochú) is more about making something disappear (e.g., fear, risk), while 破除 (pòchú) is used for abstract concepts like old customs or superstitions.
verb
to clear awayto eliminateto get rid of
Easily confused
- 清楚qīng chusound-alike(adjective) clear, distinct
Examples
- 清除。Wǒmen xūyào qīng chú zhèxiē jiù wénjiàn.We need to clear away these old files.
- 清除。Zhè zhǒng yào kěyǐ qīng chú tǐ nèi de dú sù.This medicine can eliminate toxins in the body.
- 清除。Tāmen zhèngzài qīng chú dàolù shàng de jīxuě.They are clearing the snow from the road.
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