deletion

The act of removing something, especially words or information stored on a computer.

• Please confirm the deletion of this file.
• Accidental deletion can destroy important work.
• She requested the deletion of her personal details.

How to use it: deletion of something (Deletion of the account takes one day.)

Similar words: removal, erasure

Opposites: addition

Common phrases: file deletion, permanent deletion, deletion of something

A word, passage, or other item that someone removes or plans to remove.

• Each deletion is marked in red.
• The editor approved three deletions from the chapter.
• Can you restore the deletion near the bottom?

Similar words: cut, omission

Common phrases: proposed deletion, marked deletion, a deletion

A genetic change in which a piece of DNA is lost from a chromosome.

• The test revealed a small deletion.
• This deletion affects a gene involved in growth.
• Some chromosome deletions cause serious health problems.

Common phrases: genetic deletion, chromosomal deletion, gene deletion

An act of deliberately killing someone.

• The gang called the killing a deletion.
• The report used deletion as a cold term for murder.
• He ordered the deletion of anyone who knew his secret.

How to use it: deletion of someone (The agent received orders for the deletion of a witness.)

Similar words: killing, murder

Common phrases: target deletion, deletion of someone