Annihilate

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /əˈnaɪə.leɪt/

Origin

From Latin annihilō ("I reduce to nothing"), from ad ("to") + nihil ("nothing").

Full definition of annihilate

Verb

1. To reduce to nothing, to destroy, to eradicate.An atom bomb can annihilate a whole city.
2. (archaic) To treat as worthless, to vilify.
• 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.17:of all the opinions which Antiquity hath had of men in gross, those which I most willingly embrace, and whereon I take most hold, are such as most vilifie, condemne, and annihilate us.

Synonyms

• (to reduce to nothing) benothing, destroy, eradicate, extinguish, finish
• See also

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