The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word EXTIRPATE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
E
X
T
I
R
P
A
T
E
More clues leading to the result EXTIRPATE
- Get rid of old lover, bore, embracing boy
- Root out; England opener, silly prat in embarrassing exit
- To root out dodgy extremists in Tunisia I exert power
- Erase message lacking introduction by Inland Revenue head
- Root out foreign worker, the last to leave, holding most of flag
- Root out former wife, weary embracing soft lump
- Remove old bug climbing in drain
- Old and weary getting ready for squash?
- Get rid of extra tip foolish European added
- Delete first of apps installed by busy IT expert
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Root out" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case root out = extirpate.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EXTIRPATE mean?
EXTIRPATE verb- To clear an area of roots and stumps.
- To pull up by the roots; uproot.
- To destroy completely; to annihilate.
- To surgically remove.