Definition
To forget completely or to cause something to be forgotten.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
Erase, forget, wipe out, efface, expunge
Antonyms
Remember, retain, recollect, preserve, save
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The spell was so powerful that it caused the entire village to obliviate the tragic events that had occurred there.
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He had to obliviate the embarrassing incident from his mind to keep himself from dwelling on it.
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The therapist suggested that the patient use positive affirmations to help obliviate negative thoughts and feelings.
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The government attempted to obliviate any evidence of its involvement in the scandal.
Usage
The verb “obliviate” is used to describe the act of forgetting or causing something to be forgotten. It is often used in the context of magic or science fiction to describe the effects of a powerful spell or technology that can erase memories. In the Harry Potter series, for example, the spell “Obliviate” is used by wizards to wipe the memories of non-magical people who have witnessed magic.
The word “obliviate” can also be used in a more general sense to describe the act of intentionally forgetting or erasing something from one’s memory. This can be done to cope with traumatic events or to move past negative experiences. In this sense, the word is often used in a therapeutic context to describe the process of letting go of negative emotions and memories.
In some cases, “obliviate” can be used in a more sinister sense, to describe the act of intentionally erasing evidence or covering up wrongdoing. This usage can be seen in political contexts where governments or organizations attempt to hide their involvement in controversial or illegal activities.
The prefix “ob-” in “obliviate” means “toward” or “against,” while the root “livi” is derived from the Latin word “līvis,” meaning “smooth” or “even.” The suffix “-ate” is added to form the verb form. Overall, “obliviate” is a versatile word that can be used in a range of contexts to describe the act of forgetting or erasing something.