Definition
To annihilate means to completely destroy or obliterate something or someone, leaving no trace or remnants behind.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
Eradicate, demolish, obliterate, exterminate, decimate, wipe out
Antonyms
Build, construct, create, preserve, protect, save
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | annihilators, annihilations, annihilator, annihilation |
| Verb | annihilated, annihilates, annihilating, annihilate |
| Adjective | annihilative |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The hurricane’s powerful winds and storm surges had the potential to annihilate entire coastal communities.
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The military operation was aimed at annihilating the enemy’s stronghold and cutting off their supply lines.
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The company’s new product was expected to annihilate the competition and dominate the market.
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The devastating disease threatened to annihilate the population of the small island nation.
Usage
The word “annihilate” is a powerful verb that is typically used to describe the complete destruction of something or someone. It is often used in contexts such as warfare, natural disasters, or scientific research, where the idea of complete destruction is relevant. The word is derived from the Latin word “annihilare,” which means “to reduce to nothing,” and the prefix “an-” means “completely” or “without.”
There are several variations of the word “annihilate” that are formed using prefixes, suffixes, or roots. For example, the suffix “-tion” is a common suffix used to form nouns from verbs, and it denotes the action or process of the verb. Therefore, the word “annihilation” is a noun that describes the action or process of completely destroying something. Another variation is the word “annihilator,” which is a noun that refers to a person or thing that causes complete destruction.
In some contexts, the word “annihilate” may be used metaphorically to describe the defeat or complete destruction of an opponent or competition. For example, in sports or business, a team or company may aim to “annihilate” their opponents or competition in order to dominate their respective fields. However, it is important to use this term carefully and avoid glorifying or trivializing the idea of destruction or violence.
Overall, the word “annihilate” is a powerful verb that can be used in a variety of contexts to describe complete destruction or obliteration. It is important to use this word responsibly and avoid using it in ways that glorify or trivialize violence or destruction.