English Language & Usage Asked by Pio on September 25, 2020
Is it correct to use "evictable" as an adjective for something that can be evicted?
I plan to use the term in computer science context as an adjective on a cache whose entries can be evicted to illustrate the contrast between an implementation, where you can evict any individual entry from the cache as opposed to an implementation where you cannot evict individual entries, but have to destroy the cache.
Every text editor highlights it as an incorrect, but people understand its meaning. Is there a synonym or another spelling?
As you describe the problem, it is the entries that are to be evictable (or deletable), rather than the cache, which will still remain after the eviction of an entry. This means you have a choice: extend the meaning of evictable to apply to the container from which things are evicted; or retain evictable (deletable) for the things and find another word (emptiable?) to describe the container.
The application of language to new circumstances, such as arise when developing new technology, sometimes demands new words or the extension of the meaning of old words. Text editors are therefore unreliable guides to what is acceptable.
Correct answer by Anton on September 25, 2020
The verb to evict or any of its derivatives are inappropriate for the meaning that you intend.
To evict is solely transitive and solely refers to persons being removed from a property.
The past participle, as an adjective, always implies the passive: The evicted tenants = The tenants who have been evicted.
OED:
Evict (v.) 2. transitive. Sometimes with of, from, out of.
a. To expel (a person) by legal process from land, property, etc., occupied by him or her. Now esp. to eject (a tenant) from his or her holding.
2008 A. Bryant Compl. Guide to Prop. Investing Success viii. 199 If the tenant still does not leave the property..you will have to apply via the Court for a bailiff to evict them.
It is not possible to evict a property or a place. It is therefore not possible to have "evictable" refer to a property - "evictable" is only applicable to its tenants/occupants.
Answered by Greybeard on September 25, 2020
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