The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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obliterate

verb

/əˈblɪtəreɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of obliterate

To completely destroy or eliminate something, leaving no trace of it.
"They hope to obliterate the stigma associated with mental health issues."

Detailed meaning of obliterate

It can be used to describe the physical destruction of an object or structure, or the elimination of an idea, memory, or information. When something is obliterated, it is usually gone forever and cannot be restored or recovered. The term is often used to describe violent or extreme forms of destruction, such as bombing, or natural disasters. It can also be used to describe the erasure of a person's identity, reputation, or history, as well as the suppression of information or knowledge. In some context, it can also be used to indicate the complete removal of an item or a thing, such as a stain or a mark. Obliterate is a strong term, it implies that the thing that is being described as obliterated, is completely and irreversibly destroyed.

Example sentences containing obliterate

1. The powerful explosion had the potential to obliterate the entire building.
2. The digital backup system was designed to obliterate any risk of data loss.
3. The tsunami's immense force threatened to obliterate coastal communities.
4. The virus could rapidly spread and obliterate computer networks.
5. His remarkable performance could obliterate the competition's chances of winning.
6. The ruthless dictator sought to obliterate any opposition to his rule.

History and etymology of obliterate

The verb 'obliterate' has its origins in Latin, deriving from the word 'obliterare.' In Latin, 'ob' means 'completely' or 'thoroughly,' and 'litera' refers to 'letter' or 'writing.' Originally, 'obliterare' meant to erase or rub out writing or letters, thus rendering them completely illegible or indiscernible. Over time, the term's meaning expanded to signify the complete destruction or elimination of something, leaving no trace or evidence of its existence. The etymology of 'obliterate' effectively conveys the idea of thorough and absolute destruction, highlighting the notion of erasing or wiping out something entirely from existence or memory.

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Further usage examples of obliterate

1. The asteroid impact had the potential to obliterate life on Earth.
2. The wildfire's relentless advance could obliterate acres of forest.
3. The nuclear warhead had the capability to obliterate entire cities.
4. The legal team's arguments were strong enough to obliterate the opposing case.
5. The hacker's breach had the potential to obliterate sensitive information from the server.
6. The winds of time will obliterate these old traces of our civilization.
7. We must obliterate the division between the rich and the poor.
8. The new technology promises to obliterate old inefficiencies.
9. Is there any way to obliterate the stain from this fabric?
10. They have vowed to obliterate every record set by their predecessors.
11. Acid rain may obliterate delicate ecosystems if we don't take action.
12. Can we obliterate the chances of failure by meticulous planning?
13. His anger threatened to obliterate his sense of reason.
14. They sought to obliterate their past mistakes and start anew.
15. Virtual reality has the potential to obliterate boundaries between fiction and reality.
16. The flames might obliterate the evidence if we do not act quickly.
17. Let's obliterate these outdated beliefs from our mindset.
18. We should obliterate the gap between theory and practice.
19. The earthquake will obliterate the city if it hits with full force.
20. A strong enough solar flare could obliterate our electronics.
21. In this war, we aim to obliterate the enemy's power structures.
22. Do you think this paint can obliterate the graffiti?
23. His harsh words could obliterate the last thread of their friendship.
24. This detergent claims to obliterate even the toughest stains.