> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.postgresql.tw/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.postgresql.tw/12/reference/sql-commands/drop-index.md). # DROP INDEX DROP INDEX — remove an index ## Synopsis ``` DROP INDEX [ CONCURRENTLY ] [ IF EXISTS ] name [, ...] [ CASCADE | RESTRICT ] ``` ## Description `DROP INDEX` drops an existing index from the database system. To execute this command you must be the owner of the index. ## Parameters `CONCURRENTLY` Drop the index without locking out concurrent selects, inserts, updates, and deletes on the index's table. A normal `DROP INDEX` acquires exclusive lock on the table, blocking other accesses until the index drop can be completed. With this option, the command instead waits until conflicting transactions have completed. There are several caveats to be aware of when using this option. Only one index name can be specified, and the `CASCADE` option is not supported. (Thus, an index that supports a `UNIQUE` or `PRIMARY KEY` constraint cannot be dropped this way.) Also, regular `DROP INDEX` commands can be performed within a transaction block, but `DROP INDEX CONCURRENTLY`cannot. `IF EXISTS` Do not throw an error if the index does not exist. A notice is issued in this case. *`name`* The name (optionally schema-qualified) of an index to remove. `CASCADE` Automatically drop objects that depend on the index, and in turn all objects that depend on those objects (see [Section 5.13](https://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/static/ddl-depend.html)). `RESTRICT` Refuse to drop the index if any objects depend on it. This is the default. ## Examples This command will remove the index `title_idx`: ``` DROP INDEX title_idx; ``` ## Compatibility `DROP INDEX` is a PostgreSQL language extension. There are no provisions for indexes in the SQL standard. ## See Also [CREATE INDEX](https://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/static/sql-createindex.html) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.postgresql.tw/12/reference/sql-commands/drop-index.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.