stamp out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stamp out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as a verb to mean "to extinguish, eliminate, or eradicate something". For example: The government has promised to stamp out homelessness in the city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To stamp out?

The New Yorker

Residents help to stamp out racial violence.

The Economist

* Stamp out ridiculous price targets.

The New York Times

To stamp out hunger, woe and pain.

The Guardian

Reroll and stamp out any excess dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This is not [done] to stamp out bullying, or stamp out gender inequality.

The Guardian

Sometimes the efforts to stamp out counterfeits hurt other businesses.

The New York Times - Sports

It has singularly failed to stamp out the sex trade.

The Economist

Many hoped it would stamp out organised crime and corruption.

The Economist

Sir Howard is keen to stamp out stacking.

Independent

Can predictive policing help stamp out racial profiling?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stamp out", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being eliminated or suppressed. For instance, specify "stamp out corruption" or "stamp out misinformation" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "stamp out" when the intended meaning is simply to reduce or control something, rather than completely eliminate it. Words like "curtail" or "mitigate" might be more appropriate in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "stamp out" functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object to specify what is being eliminated. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability. For example, "stamp out corruption" or "stamp out disease".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "stamp out" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the forceful elimination of something undesirable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds frequent application across varied domains such as news, business, and scientific contexts. Related phrases include "eradicate" and "eliminate". When using "stamp out", ensure clarity regarding the object being eliminated and avoid using it when mere reduction is intended. This guidance should help ensure its appropriate and effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eradicate

This single-word alternative provides a direct synonym, emphasizing complete removal.

eliminate

Focuses on the removal of something, often in a more systematic or procedural way.

wipe out

Implies a more forceful and potentially destructive elimination.

get rid of

A more informal way to express removing or eliminating something unwanted.

suppress

Highlights the act of holding back or preventing something from developing or manifesting.

quash

Emphasizes the forceful suppression of something, often dissent or rebellion.

put an end to

Indicates a decisive action to stop something from continuing.

do away with

Suggests discarding or abolishing something, often a rule or practice.

curtail

Means to reduce or restrict something, limiting its scope or impact.

extinguish

Specifically refers to putting out a fire or light, but can be used metaphorically for other things.

FAQs

How can I use "stamp out" in a sentence?

You can use "stamp out" to describe the act of eliminating or eradicating something undesirable. For example, "The organization is working to "stamp out" poverty in the region".

What is a good alternative to "stamp out"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "eradicate", "eliminate", or "suppress" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "stamp out" in formal writing?

Yes, "stamp out" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing efforts to eliminate problems or undesirable behaviors. It conveys a sense of decisive action.

What's the difference between "stamp out" and "get rid of"?

"Stamp out" typically implies a more forceful and determined effort to eliminate something, whereas "get rid of" is a more general and informal way of saying to remove or eliminate.