The delete operator can be used to remove a property from an object. It will remove a property from the object if it has one. It will not touch any of the objects in the prototype linkage.

Removing a property from an object may allow a property from the prototype linkage to shine through:

another_stooge.nickname    // 'Moe'

// Remove nickname from another_stooge, revealing
// the nickname of the prototype.

delete another_stooge.nickname;

another_stooge.nickname    // 'Curly'