erase a memory

Meaning

To completely remove or forget a specific past event or experience from one's mind. While sometimes used in science fiction contexts, it is most often used figuratively to express a strong desire to forget something embarrassing or painful.

Examples

• I wish I could erase the memory of that awkward job interview.

  I wish I could erase the memory of that awkward job interview.

• No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't erase the memory of the accident.

  No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't erase the memory of the accident.

• Watching a funny movie helped him erase a memory of a bad day at work.

  Watching a funny movie helped him erase a memory of a bad day at work.

• Sometimes I want to erase my memory of a book just so I can read it for the first time again.

  Sometimes I want to erase my memory of a book just so I can read it for the first time again.

• Time doesn't completely erase a memory, but it makes the pain fade.

  Time doesn't completely erase a memory, but it makes the pain fade.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to delete a memory of that day.

  ✓ I want to erase a memory of that day.

  While 'delete' is used for digital files on computers, we naturally use 'erase' or 'wipe' when talking about human memories.

• ✗ He tried to erase out the memory.

  ✓ He tried to erase the memory.

  Unlike phrasal verbs like 'blot out' or 'wipe out', the verb 'erase' does not require a preposition like 'out'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Some people wish they could undergo a procedure to ___ of their ex-partner.

  💡 Completely forget a specific past experience.

  Show answer

  erase a memory

• You can't just ___ simply because it makes you uncomfortable.

  💡 Get rid of a mental recollection of an event.

  Show answer

  erase a memory