Obliterate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
obliterate
[ษหblษชtษreษชt ]
Definition
destroy completely
To obliterate means to destroy or remove something completely, leaving no trace behind. It can also refer to wiping out or erasing something entirely.
Synonyms
annihilate, destroy, eliminate, erase, exterminate.
Examples of usage
- His house was obliterated by the tornado.
- The dictator sought to obliterate any opposition to his rule.
- She used a cloth to obliterate the writing on the whiteboard.
- The virus has the potential to obliterate entire populations if left unchecked.
- The impact of the asteroid could obliterate all life on Earth.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- The concept of obliteration often appears in literature where characters face complete destruction or loss, symbolizing ultimate conflict.
- In George Orwell's '1984', the idea of obliterating history is critical to the plot, as it shows how power can manipulate truth.
- Shakespeare used the theme of obliteration in works like 'Macbeth', where characters strive to erase guilt and consequence.
Science
- In geology, 'obliteration' can refer to the process where natural forces completely erase landforms, like through erosion.
- In physics, when a radioactive substance undergoes decay, it can be said to 'obliterate' its original form.
- In medicine, obliteration can describe the process where a tissue or organ loses its structure, often due to disease.
Pop Culture
- Action movies often feature scenes where characters attempt to obliterate a target, emphasizing explosive special effects.
- In video games, obliteration is a common mechanic where players can destroy elements within the game world entirely.
- The concept has been explored in various songs, where artists use it as a metaphor for emotional experiences or relationship endings.
Psychology
- In psychological contexts, obliteration can refer to the forgetting process, where memories become less accessible or disappear.
- Some therapeutic approaches focus on helping individuals 'obliterate' negative thoughts or feelings that impact their wellbeing.
- The desire to obliterate certain memories can lead to coping mechanisms like repression, affecting mental health.
Origin of 'obliterate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'obliterare', which means 'to erase' or 'to wipe out'.
- Itโs made up of 'ob-', meaning 'against', and 'literare', related to 'letter', hinting at deleting written words.
- The term has been used in English since the late 16th century, originally in literary contexts.
The word 'obliterate' comes from the Latin word 'obliterare', which means 'to erase' or 'to blot out'. The term has been used in English since the early 16th century. Over time, 'obliterate' has come to signify not just erasing or destroying something, but doing so in a complete and thorough manner.
See also: obliteration, obliterator.