Definition

To remove or erase the magnetic field from a device or object, often to prevent interference or to reset it.

Example

The technician had to degauss the hard drive to ensure all data was securely erased.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I need to degauss my old hard drive before I sell it.

Good idea! It's important to erase all your data first.

Yeah, I don’t want anyone accessing my personal files.

Exactly, and it's pretty easy to degauss it at home.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Degauss is formed from "de-" (meaning removal or reversal) and "gauss" (named after the mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss, who contributed to the understanding of magnetic fields). The word means to remove or reduce the magnetic field from an object, particularly in the context of electronic devices.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') the influence of 'Gauss' — that's why degauss means to eliminate magnetic fields.

Visually Confused Words