Obliteration: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'obliteration' when referring to something being completely wiped out or erased without leaving any trace. It often implies a thorough, total elimination.

• The ancient city faced complete obliteration in the massive earthquake.
• Her memories of the place had undergone total obliteration over the years.

'Destruction' is a more general term that refers to the act of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired. It is often used in less extreme or total situations compared to 'obliteration' and 'annihilation'.

• The hurricane caused widespread destruction across the region.
• The war resulted in the destruction of many historic buildings.

'Annihilation' is used to describe the complete destruction or defeat of something, typically in a more dramatic or forceful manner. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

• The enemy troops faced total annihilation on the battlefield.
• The fierce competition led to the company's financial annihilation.

'Extinction' is primarily used in the context of biology or species, referring to the end or dying out of an entire species or type. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the end of a custom or practice.

• The extinction of the dinosaurs occurred millions of years ago.
• Many languages are at risk of extinction due to globalization.

Used when something is completely destroyed or wiped out, leaving no trace behind. Often used in dramatic or intense situations.

• The bomb caused the obliteration of the entire city block
• The disease led to the obliteration of entire species

Used in everyday situations to refer to taking something away or getting rid of something. Neutral and versatile.

• The removal of the old furniture made the room look bigger
• She arranged for the removal of the tree stump from the garden

Used when something is removed or deleted, particularly in contexts involving writing, memory, or history. Often implies intentionality.

• The erasure of his name from the records was suspicious
• Digital erasure ensures that the data cannot be recovered

Used in more formal contexts to refer to the removal of something, often as part of a process or system. Can be used both for negative and neutral situations.

• The elimination of waste is crucial for the environment
• The competition will result in the elimination of the weakest players