Definition of "Wipe"
As a verb:
To clean or dry (a surface) by rubbing it with a cloth, hand, or other material.
Example: She used a towel to wipe the spilled coffee off the table.
To remove or eliminate something completely.
Example: The storm wiped out the entire village.
In computing, to erase data permanently.
Example: Before selling his laptop, he made sure to wipe all his personal files.
As a noun:
An act of wiping.
Example: Give the counter a quick wipe before guests arrive.
A disposable cleaning cloth.
Example: He grabbed a disinfectant wipe to clean his hands.
How to Use "Wipe" in a Sentence
1. Using "Wipe" for Cleaning
The most common use of "wipe" refers to cleaning a surface.
Please wipe your shoes before entering the house.
She wiped the dust off the old bookshelf.
He wiped his glasses with a microfiber cloth.
2. Using "Wipe" to Indicate Removal or Destruction
"Wipe" can also mean eliminating something entirely.
The hurricane wiped away entire neighborhoods.
The company’s scandal wiped out its stock value.
The new law could wipe small businesses off the map.
3. Using "Wipe" in Technology (Data Erasure)
In tech contexts, "wipe" means permanently deleting data.
Before recycling your phone, ensure you wipe all personal data.
The IT department wiped the hard drive to prevent data leaks.
4. Using "Wipe" Figuratively (Emotional or Mental Contexts)
"Wipe" can also describe removing emotions or memories.
Time didn’t wipe away the pain of his loss.
She tried to wipe the embarrassing moment from her mind.
Common Phrases and Idioms with "Wipe"
Wipe the slate clean – To start fresh, forgetting past mistakes.
After their argument, they decided to wipe the slate clean.
Wipe the floor with someone – To defeat someone easily.
The champion wiped the floor with his opponent in the boxing match.
Wipe out – To destroy completely or to become extremely tired.
The financial crisis wiped out their savings.
After the marathon, he was completely wiped out.
Wipe someone’s memory – To make someone forget something (often used in sci-fi).
In the movie, the villain tried to wipe the hero’s memory.
Synonyms for "Wipe"
Depending on the context, you can replace "wipe" with these synonyms:
Examples of "Wipe" in Literature and Media
From "Harry Potter" by J.K. Rowling:
"Hermioneword wipe wiped her face with her sleeve."
From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins:
"Katniss wiped the blood from her knife."
From "1984" by George Orwell:
"The Party could wipe out any piece of history they disliked."
These examples show how "wipe" can be used in different tones—casual, dramatic, or dystopian.
Common Mistakes When Using "Wipe"
Confusing "Wipe" with "Whip"
Incorrect: She whipped the table clean.
Correct: She wiped the table clean.
Using the Wrong Preposition
Incorrect: Wipe the water of the mirror.
Correct: Wipe the water off the mirror.
Misusing "Wipe Out"
Incorrect: He wiped out word wipe his car. (Unless meaning total destruction)
Correct: He cleaned his car.
Conclusion
The word "wipe" is a simple yet powerful term that can be used in various contexts—cleaning, destruction, technology, and emotions. By understanding its meanings, synonyms, and common phrases, you can use "wipe" effectively in your writing and speech.
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