Cancel ( page 92 ).
Questions.
1. What is the difference in method involved in the verbs cancel, efface, erase, expunge, and obliterate? 2. Which suggest the most complete removal of all trace of a writing? 3. How do the figurative uses of these words compare with the literal? 4. Is it possible to obliterate or efface that which has been previously canceled or erased?
Examples.
It is practically impossible to clean a postage-stamp that has been properly —— so that it can be used again.
With the aid of a sharp penknife the blot was quickly ——.
By lapse of time and elemental action, the inscription had become completely ——.