Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪp ˈa͡ʊt] (IPA) 
The word "wipe out" is spelled using the following IPA phonetic transcription: /waɪp aʊt/. The first syllable "wipe" is pronounced with the diphthong sound of /waɪ/, which is a combination of the vowel sounds "a" and "i". The second syllable "out" is pronounced with the /aʊ/ sound, which is a combination of the vowel sounds "o" and "u". This two-syllable word means to completely eradicate or destroy something.
The term "wipe out" is a phrasal verb with multiple meanings and can be used in various contexts. Primarily, it means to eradicate or completely eliminate something. It can refer to removing dirt, stains, or marks from a surface, such as wiping out a whiteboard, effectively erasing everything that was previously written. Similarly, it can involve cleaning or disinfecting a particular area thoroughly to eliminate any trace of dirt, germs, or impurities.
Additionally, "wipe out" can describe the act of obliterating, erasing, or eradicating something completely or to a significant extent. For example, in the context of a natural disaster, it refers to the complete destruction or devastation of a place or infrastructure, such as a tsunami wiping out coastal towns.
Furthermore, "wipe out" can have figurative or metaphorical meanings. It can indicate causing total collapse or defeat of a person, group, or institution, often in a sudden and devastating manner. For instance, a financial crisis can wipe out people's savings or investments, leading to severe financial loss. In competitive sports or activities, it refers to falling or crashing heavily, losing control, or being eliminated from a competition, usually involving a significant impact or tumble.
Overall, "wipe out" encompasses various notions, such as elimination, eradication, removal, destruction, defeat, or collapse, depending on the context in which it is used.
The term "wipe out" is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It is a compound phrase composed of two separate words: "wipe" and "out".
The word "wipe" can be traced back to the Old English word "wipian", meaning "to rub". It later evolved into the Middle English word "wipen" with the same meaning. The concept of removing or erasing something by rubbing or swiping went hand in hand with the sense of "wipe" we use today.
The word "out" has ancient origins and has retained its form throughout multiple languages. It comes from the Old English word "ūt", meaning "outside" or "away from the center". Similarly, this term has been used metaphorically to indicate the complete removal or extinction of something.
