Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Expunge"

Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Episode Title: Expunge
Release Date: June 30, 2025

In this episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the intricate nuances of the word "expunge." Released on June 30, 2025, this episode offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of the term, encompassing its definition, practical applications, historical significance, and linguistic connections.

Definition of "Expunge"

Peter Sokolowski opens the episode by presenting a clear and concise definition of "expunge."

“[00:07] Peter: To expunge something is to remove it completely, whether by obliterating it, striking it out, or marking it for deletion.”

Sokolowski emphasizes that "expunge" is a verb predominantly used in legal and official contexts. It signifies the complete removal of records or information, ensuring that the deleted content is effectively erased from existence.

Practical Application and Impact

To illustrate the practical application of "expunge," Sokolowski references a psychological study:

“[00:35] Peter: Bland et al. found that an offer to expunge a criminal record after participation in a rehabilitation program reduced crime as well as the measure of harm.”

This study highlights the positive societal impact of expunging criminal records. By providing individuals with the opportunity to remove past transgressions from their official records, it fosters reintegration into society and diminishes recidivism rates. Sokolowski interprets these findings to suggest that the motivation derived from the possibility of expungement plays a crucial role in encouraging personal rehabilitation and character assessment in the present.

Historical Context: Puncta Delentia

Sokolowski transitions to a historical perspective, shedding light on the evolution of the term "expunge."

“[01:00] Peter: In medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, a series of dots was used to mark mistakes or to label material that should be deleted from a text. And those deletion dots, known as puncta delentia, can help you remember the history of the word expunge.”

Puncta delentia were small dots scribes employed to indicate errors or sections slated for removal in manuscripts. This practice underscores the meticulous nature of manuscript preservation and the early forms of editorial corrections. By connecting puncta delentia to "expunge," Sokolowski illustrates the word's longstanding association with deletion and correction.

Etymology and Linguistic Connections

Delving deeper into the origins of "expunge," Sokolowski explores its Latin roots and related terms:

“[01:30] Peter: Puncta comes from the Latin verb pungere, which can be translated as to prick or sting, and you can imagine that a scribe may have felt something stung when their mistakes were so punctuated in a manuscript.”

The Latin verb "pungere," meaning "to prick" or "to sting," serves as the progenitor of "puncta," highlighting the tactile and perhaps emotionally charged process of marking errors. Furthermore, "pungere" not only contributes to the formation of "expunge" but also underpins several other English words that convey notions of punctuated precision or emotional intensity. Sokolowski enumerates these related terms:

“[02:10] Peter: Pungere is also an ancestor of the word expunge, as well as a parent of other dotted, pointed, or stinging terms such as punctuate, compunction, poignant, puncture, and pungent.”

This exploration underscores the interconnectedness of language and how foundational verbs like "pungere" can give rise to a family of words with diverse yet related meanings.

Conclusion and Further Resources

Wrapping up the episode, Peter Sokolowski reiterates the significance of "expunge" in both contemporary and historical contexts. He encourages listeners to further engage with the word and other linguistic offerings through Merriam-Webster’s platform.

“[02:50] Peter: With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski. Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay, and trending word steps.”

Key Takeaways

• "Expunge" is a verb meaning to remove something completely from records or memory.
• The term is often used in legal contexts, such as the removal of criminal records.
• Historical practices like puncta delentia illustrate the long-standing association of the word with deletion and correction.
• The Latin root "pungere" connects "expunge" to other English words that convey precision and intensity.

Notable Quotes

• Definition: “[00:07] Peter: To expunge something is to remove it completely, whether by obliterating it, striking it out, or marking it for deletion.”
• Psychological Impact: “[00:35] Peter: Bland et al. found that an offer to expunge a criminal record after participation in a rehabilitation program reduced crime as well as the measure of harm.”
• Historical Insight: “[01:00] Peter: ...those deletion dots, known as puncta delentia, can help you remember the history of the word expunge.”
• Etymological Connection: “[02:10] Peter: Pungere is also an ancestor of the word expunge, as well as a parent of other dotted, pointed, or stinging terms such as punctuate, compunction, poignant, puncture, and pungent.”

Final Thoughts

Peter Sokolowski's exploration of "expunge" offers listeners not just a definition, but a rich tapestry of its applications, historical roots, and linguistic relatives. This comprehensive examination not only enhances vocabulary but also provides insights into the profound impact that words can have on societal structures and individual lives.

For those eager to expand their word power, Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day remains an invaluable resource, blending etymology, practical usage, and scholarly research to illuminate the depths of the English language.