Annihilation - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Annihilation means complete destruction or obliteration, often used to describe the total defeat of an enemy or the eradication of something. It implies utter and irreversible ruin.
Definition:
Complete destruction or obliteration of something.
Synonyms:
destruction, eradication, extermination, obliteration
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
creation, preservation
Common Collocations:
total annihilation, nuclear annihilation, near annihilation, threat of annihilation
Derivatives:
annihilate, annihilator, annihilative
Usage Tips:
Use "annihilation" to emphasize total destruction, often in dramatic or extreme contexts like war or natural disasters.
Common Phrases:
brink of annihilation, face annihilation, threat of annihilation
Etymology:
From Latin "annihilatio," meaning "reduction to nothing," from "annihilare" (to destroy).
Examples:
- 1. The asteroid caused the annihilation of the dinosaurs.
- 2. The war brought the city to the brink of annihilation.
- 3. Scientists fear the annihilation of rare species due to deforestation.
- 4. His harsh words felt like emotional annihilation to her.