v.
- clean or dry by rubbing with a cloth or one's hand.
▸remove (dirt or moisture) in this way.
- spread (liquid) over a surface by rubbing.
-
(often wipe something out)
remove or eliminate completely.
▸erase (data) from a magnetic medium.
- pass (a swipe card) over an electronic reader.
- Austral./NZ informal reject or dismiss.
n.
- an act of wiping.
- an absorbent disposable cleaning cloth.
- a cinematographic effect in which an existing picture seems to be wiped out by a new one.
Phrase
- wipe someone's eye
Brit. informal, dated get the better of someone. - wipe the floor with
informal inflict a humiliating defeat on. - wipe the slate clean
make a fresh start.
Phrase verbal
Derivative
Etymology
OE wīpian, of Gmc origin; rel. to whip.