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annihilation

noun

/əˌnaɪ əˈleɪ ʃən/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of annihilation

The act or process of completely destroying or eradicating something, often to the point of complete extinction or obliteration.
"The sci-fi novel depicted a post-apocalyptic world on the brink of annihilation."

Detailed meaning of annihilation

It signifies the total elimination or eradication of an object, entity, or concept, leaving no trace behind. In a physical sense, 'annihilation' can describe the complete destruction of a city, a species, or even an entire planet. Secondly, 'annihilation' can represent the state of complete nothingness or nonexistence. It implies the absence of any form of existence or consciousness. In certain philosophical or metaphysical contexts, 'annihilation' alludes to the idea of ceasing to exist in any form, whether in a physical, spiritual, or conceptual sense. Overall, 'annihilation' encompasses the notions of complete destruction, eradication, and the absence of existence.

Example sentences containing annihilation

1. The nuclear explosion resulted in the annihilation of the city.
2. Environmental degradation can lead to the annihilation of species.
3. The goal was the annihilation of the enemy's forces.
4. His ruthless tactics sought the annihilation of his rivals.
5. The annihilation of the virus was a medical breakthrough.
6. The asteroid's impact could result in the annihilation of life.

History and etymology of annihilation

The noun 'annihilation' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'annihilatio,' which is derived from 'annihilare,' a combination of 'ad-' (meaning 'to') and 'nihil' (meaning 'nothing'). Therefore, 'annihilation' fundamentally conveys the idea of reducing something to nothing, obliteration, or complete destruction. Its etymology underscores the magnitude of the act or process, emphasizing the total and thorough eradication of something, often to the point of its complete extinction. The term 'annihilation' captures the sense of an overwhelming and irreversible force that leaves nothing in its wake, illustrating the devastating nature of this concept.

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Further usage examples of annihilation

1. The annihilation of the ancient texts was a tragedy.
2. The hurricane caused the near annihilation of the coastal town.
3. The conflict threatened the annihilation of the peace treaty.
4. Their relentless pursuit led to the annihilation of the criminal gang.
5. The extinction of species is often a slow process of annihilation.
6. The army was on a mission of total annihilation.
7. The disease posed a threat of annihilation to the population.
8. The forest fire was a force of complete annihilation.
9. The annihilation of her dreams left her devastated.
10. The annihilation of his reputation was swift and severe.
11. Preventing nuclear annihilation is a global concern.
12. The war resulted in the annihilation of entire villages.
13. The robot's lasers could cause mass annihilation.
14. The annihilation of prejudice requires education and empathy.
15. The atomic bomb caused widespread annihilation in the city, reducing it to rubble.
16. The military campaign aimed for the annihilation of the enemy forces, leaving no survivors.
17. The extinction event resulted in the annihilation of numerous plant and animal species.
18. The virus posed a threat of complete annihilation to the vulnerable population.
19. The team's victory brought the opponent to the brink of annihilation in the championship match.
20. The dictator's regime was known for its ruthless annihilation of dissenting voices.
21. The catastrophic natural disaster caused the annihilation of entire villages.
22. The superhero's powers allowed him to prevent the annihilation of the planet.
23. The scientist's groundbreaking discovery had the potential to lead to the annihilation of disease.
24. The extremist group sought the annihilation of opposing ideologies through violent means.
25. The magnitude of the explosion was so immense that it resulted in the near-total annihilation of the nearby town.