rm

Remove a file

$ rm [file]

$ rm [file1] [file2] [file3]

$ rm -i [file]

$ rm -r [directory]

$ rm -f [file]

$ rm -rf [directory]

$ rm -v [file]

$ rm *.tmp

rm [-firvd] file...

rm removes files and directories. By default, it does not remove directories; use -r to remove directories recursively.
Without -f, rm prompts for confirmation when removing write-protected files. With -i, it prompts for every file. The -I option provides a middle ground, prompting once for potentially dangerous operations.
To remove a file starting with a dash, use -- to end option processing: rm -- -filename or use a path: rm ./-filename.
The command unlinks files from the filesystem. Data may be recoverable until overwritten. For secure deletion, use shred.

-f, --force

Ignore nonexistent files, never prompt

Prompt before every removal

Prompt once before removing more than 3 files or recursively

Remove directories and their contents recursively

Remove empty directories

Explain what is being done

Do not treat '/' specially (dangerous)

Do not remove '/' (default)

When removing recursively, skip directories on different filesystems

rm -rf / or similar commands can destroy entire systems. Modern systems protect against this, but variations may bypass protections.
Removed files bypass the trash. Use trash-cli or desktop trash if recovery might be needed.
Be careful with wildcards. rm \* in the wrong directory is destructive. Use ls to preview what would be deleted.
Root user should use rm with extreme caution. Consider aliases that add -i by default.

rmdir(1), unlink(1), shred(1), trash-cli(1)