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跡を絶つ (あとをたつ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-tsu)
wipe out ; put an end to ; eradicate
Used for completely eliminating something undesirable, such as crime, disease, or a bad practice, so that no trace remains. Often appears in formal or news contexts.
It is urgent to eradicate infectious diseases from this region.
Kanji 絶 discontinue, sever, cut off Similar words 根こん 絶ぜつ する 根絶する also means 'to eradicate', but is more technical and often used for diseases or social problems. 跡を絶つ emphasizes eliminating all traces and is slightly more literary.
一いっ 掃そう する 一掃する means 'to sweep away' or 'clean up', focusing on removing something undesirable from a place or situation. 跡を絶つ implies a more thorough, permanent elimination.
Etymology Compound of 跡 (あと, 'trace, mark') + を (object marker) + 絶つ (たつ, 'to sever, cut off'). Literally 'to cut off traces', the expression has been used idiomatically since at least the Edo period to mean complete eradication.
