Pronunciation: [ɹˈuːtɪŋ ˈa͡ʊt] (IPA) 
Rooting out is spelled R-oo-t-i-ng o-u-t. The word "rooting" is spelled with a long "oo" sound followed by the letter "t" and the letter "i". The double "o" in "rooting" is pronounced as in "moon" and is represented by the IPA symbol /u/. The word "out" is spelled with the short "ou" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /ʌ/, followed by the letter "t". Together, rooting out means to remove completely or to get rid of something.
Rooting out is a phrasal verb that is typically used to describe the process of eliminating or eradicating something thoroughly, often with great determination and persistence. It refers to the action of getting rid of something or someone completely, often by searching intensely and systematically for that particular thing or individual until it is found and removed. The term is commonly associated with removing or exterminating unwanted elements, such as problems, issues, or obstacles, from a particular situation or system.
When applied metaphorically, rooting out implies a relentless effort to uncover the source or cause of a problem or to identify and eliminate any hidden or underlying factors that contribute to it. It involves taking substantive actions and implementing comprehensive strategies in order to permanently eradicate a particular issue or undesirable element. Rooting out often requires a thorough investigation, persistent inquiry, and a vigilance to identify and address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of a problem or challenge.
The notion of rooting out can also extend to the realm of social or political contexts where it is used to denote the active pursuit of identifying and removing societal issues, corruption, or unethical practices. This can involve strict measures, intensive audits, and extensive measures to identify and eliminate any form of wrongdoing or misconduct. It signifies a firm commitment to rectify any detrimental elements and establish a more favorable and sustainable situation. Overall, rooting out involves the intentional and exhaustive actions taken to completely eradicate, eliminate, or remove something or someone for the betterment of a system, situation, or society.
The etymology of the phrase "rooting out" can be traced to its component words, namely "root" and "out".
1. "Root": The word "root" emerged from the Old English word "rot" or "rotian", which referred to the underground part of a plant that absorbs water and nutrients. Over time, "rot" evolved to "root" to describe the part of a plant that anchors it in the ground and supports its growth.
2. "Out": The word "out" originated from the Old English word "ūt", which meant "outside" or "away". It comes from the Proto-Germanic word "ūt" and has various cognates in other Germanic languages, such as German "aus" and Dutch "uit".
