obliterate
What does "obliterate" mean?
To obliterate something is to destroy it so completely that no trace of its original form remains. The mental image is of an eraser moving across a page or a powerful force turning a structure into dust, leaving nothing behind but a blank space. While it is often used in literal contexts—such as a storm obliterating a coastline—it is frequently used metaphorically. You might say a sports team "obliterated" their opponent, meaning they won by such a large margin that the other side's efforts were essentially erased. It carries a sense of total, overwhelming finality.
"obliterate" in conversation
Gaming victory
That match was brutal.
That match was brutal.
Yeah, we completely obliterated them in the final round.
Yeah, we completely obliterated them in the final round.
Used here to describe a decisive, crushing victory in a game.
Home renovation
Are we keeping the old shed?
Are we keeping the old shed?
No, we're going to obliterate it to make room for the garden.
No, we're going to obliterate it to make room for the garden.
Highlights the sense of complete removal or demolition.
"obliterate" in a sentence
The storm obliterated the small beach shack.
The storm obliterated the small beach shack.
The new software will obliterate the need for manual data entry.
The new software will obliterate the need for manual data entry.
The candidate's reputation was obliterated by the recent corruption scandal.
The candidate's reputation was obliterated by the recent corruption scandal.
