Removal

Removal is a spell or ability that is used to remove permanents from play permanently, either by putting the permanent in the graveyard or by exiling it. Removal is the most common type of answer to permanents other than the blocking of attacking creatures.

Commonly removal means one of four effects:

• Effects that destroy the permanent, such as Doom Blade or Naturalize.
• Effects that can deal damage to a creature, such as Lightning Bolt
• Effects that can reduce a creature's toughness, such as Last Gasp
• Effects that exile a permanent, such as Swords to Plowshares