Definition
扫除 (sǎo chú) has two senses: literally 'to sweep/clean' (like 打扫 but more thorough), and figuratively 'to sweep away/eradicate' (problems, corruption, fear). Unlike 打扫, which is only physical cleaning, 扫除 carries a strong figurative use; unlike 杜绝 (formal, 'to put an end to') or 扑灭 ('to extinguish'), 扫除 is broader and less forceful.
verb
to sweepto clean (literal)to sweep awayto eliminateto eradicate (figurative)
Examples
- 扫除。Wǒmen měitiān dōu yào sǎo chú jiàoshì.We need to clean the classroom every day.
- 扫除。Zhèngfǔ juéxīn sǎo chú suǒyǒu fǔbài.The government is determined to sweep away all corruption.
- 扫除。Tā nǔlì sǎo chú xīnzhōng de kǒngjù.He strives to sweep away the fear in his heart.
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