clear

verbverified·updated Jun 3, 2026

To use software or hardware products to overwrite storage space on the media with nonsensitive data. This process may include overwriting not only the logical storage location of a file(s) (e.g., file allocation table) but also may include all addressable locations. See comments on Clear/Purge Convergence.

NISTIR 7298: Glossary of Key Information Security Terms, Revision 2

Senses

Wordset Dictionary

to free the throat by making a rasping sound

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to rid of obstructions

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to remove something

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to make a way or path by removing objects

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to remove the occupants of

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to remove people from a building

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to rid of instructions or data

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to make clear, bright, light, or translucent

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to make free from confusion or ambiguity

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to settle, as of a debt

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to grant authorization or clearance for

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to pronounce not guilty of criminal charges

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to pass an inspection or receive authorization

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to pass by, over, or under without making contact

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to go away or disappear

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to sell or get rid of

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to be debited and credited to the proper bank accounts

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to earn on some commercial or business transaction

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to make as a net profit

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to yield as a net profit

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to clear from impurities, blemishes, pollution, etc.

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to free from payment of customs duties, as of a shipment

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to go unchallenged

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to become clear

Classifications

Cognitive

Apply75%llm-generatedllm:claude-haiku-4-5
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Responsibility

Unclassifiedauthoritativetrigger_default_value
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Automation

Unclassifiedauthoritativetrigger_default_value
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Variants

synonym
clear upcrystalisecrystalizecrystallisecrystallizedealdischargedoffelucidateemptyenlightenilluminatelight upmakenetpasssackshed light onsolvesort outstraighten outtopunclutter
pasttense
cleared
presentparticiple
clearing
thirdpersonsingular
clears
pastparticiple
cleared