Phrasal Verbs

root out

This page is about the phrasal verb root out

Meaning

to uncover and punish criminals, especially those abusing positions of trust or authority

Synonym

get rid of, eradicate

For example

  • root out sb The president has promised to root out corrupt politicians and send them to jail.

  • root sb out The bank's investigation team targeted several workers suspected of stealing money, and it succeeded in rooting them out.

Quick Quiz

The police commissioner has vowed to root out

a. criminal plants

b. bribe-taking officers

c. overweight policemen
a) criminal plants b) bribe-taking officers c) overweight policemen

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1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context

Contributor: Matt Errey