删除 (shān chú) is a formal, transitive verb meaning 'to delete' — to remove data, files, text, or entries permanently from a digital system or written record. The character 删 means 'to strike out or erase', often used for crossing out text; 除 means 'to remove or eliminate', carrying a sense of thorough removal. Together, they form a compound emphasizing intentional, complete deletion—common in computing, document editing, and administrative contexts.

This word is standard in technical manuals, software interfaces (e.g., '删除文件'), and formal instructions. It is not used for casual or temporary removal (e.g., hiding or archiving), nor for physical objects like trash — for those, words like 扔掉 (throw away) or 清除 (clear/erase) are more appropriate. It implies irreversibility unless a recycle bin or undo function is present, but the act itself is definitive.