Annihilate: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word in extreme situations where something is completely wiped out or defeated, often in a dramatic or catastrophic way.

• The asteroid could annihilate all life on Earth.
• The army was annihilated in the fierce battle.

Suitable for general situations where something is damaged beyond repair or made unusable.

• The fire destroyed the entire building.
• The evidence was destroyed during the investigation.

This word is best used when referring to the complete killing of pests, animals, or organisms. It often carries a negative connotation, especially when referring to humans.

• Pest control was called in to exterminate the rats.
• The regime aimed to exterminate an entire ethnic group, which is a grave atrocity.

Used in contexts where something is completely removed or erased, often with notions of violence or intensity.

• The bomb obliterated the small village.
• Years of work were obliterated in a few seconds by the flood.

Typically used in a military or combat context to signify complete destruction or defeat. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate a total and overwhelming defeat in other areas, such as sports.

• The army was annihilated in the surprise attack.
• The team annihilated their opponents in the final game.

Mostly used in the context of completely eliminating something harmful or undesirable, such as diseases, pests, or social issues.

• Efforts to eradicate malaria have shown promising results.
• We must eradicate racism from our society.

Informally used to mean thoroughly destroying or eliminating something. Can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

• The tsunami wiped out entire villages along the coast.
• The new policy aims to wipe out poverty in the region.

Generally used for the complete and systematic destruction of a group, often with negative connotations. Commonly used regarding pests, insects, or groups of people in historical contexts.

• The farmers called an expert to exterminate the rats.
• The regime sought to exterminate any opposition.