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annihilate

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "annihilate": To annihilate something means to destroy it completely, leaving absolutely nothing behind. The word

What does "annihilate" mean?

To annihilate something means to destroy it completely, leaving absolutely nothing behind. The word carries a sense of total erasure, as if the object or force was reduced to nothingness or wiped from existence entirely. You will often see this word used in contexts involving military force, intense competition, or scientific phenomena like antimatter. Because it is a very strong, dramatic word, it is best reserved for situations where the destruction is total and absolute, rather than just minor damage.

"annihilate" in conversation

Gaming session

That pro player just annihilated the enemy team.

That pro player just annihilated the enemy team.

It wasn't even a fair fight, they didn't stand a chance.

It wasn't even a fair fight, they didn't stand a chance.

Used here to describe a crushing defeat in a competitive setting.

Science lecture

When matter meets antimatter, the two particles annihilate each other.

When matter meets antimatter, the two particles annihilate each other.

Does that release a lot of energy?

Does that release a lot of energy?

Used in a technical, scientific sense to describe the disappearance of particles.

"annihilate" in a sentence

  1. The hurricane threatened to annihilate the small coastal village.

    The hurricane threatened to annihilate the small coastal village.

  2. The champion annihilated his opponent in the final round of the tournament.

    The champion annihilated his opponent in the final round of the tournament.

  3. The company's new product line effectively annihilated all competition in the tech market.

    The company's new product line effectively annihilated all competition in the tech market.

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