To wipe or mop up — to remove dirt, liquid, etc., from a surface with a cloth or hand.
テーブルの水滴をタオルで拭う。
I wipe the water drops off the table with a towel.
手を拭うために紙ナプキンを取った。
She grabbed a paper napkin to wipe her hands.
彼は額の汗を袖で拭った。
He wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve.
To remove or dispel (an impression, feeling, blemish, etc.). Often used in expressions like 'to dispel shame' or 'to wipe away doubts.'
彼は誤解を解いて名誉を拭うために説明会を開いた。
He held a briefing to clear up misunderstandings and restore his reputation.
過去の失敗を一度で完全に拭うことは難しい。
It's difficult to completely erase past failures at once.
そのニュースは彼女の良い印象を拭うことはできなかった。
That news couldn't wipe away the good impression she had made.