Annihilation is spelled with three syllables: /əˌnaɪ.əˈleɪ.ʃən/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound (ə) and the second syllable is pronounced with a long "i" sound (/aɪ/). The third syllable is pronounced with a long "a" sound (/eɪ/) followed by a "sh" sound (/ʃ/) and then a schwa sound (ə) at the end. This word means the complete destruction or obliteration of something, and its complex spelling reflects its weighty meaning.
Annihilation is a noun that refers to the complete destruction, total eradication, or obliteration of something or someone. It encompasses the act of completely annihilating or eliminating any trace, form, or existence of an object, concept, or entity.
In the context of warfare, annihilation signifies the removal of an enemy force so thoroughly that its capabilities are eradicated entirely. It implies a decisive victory, leaving no possibility for recovery or resistance. This term is often associated with strategies that seek to overpower and eliminate adversaries by totally obliterating their military, infrastructure, and morale.
Beyond the realm of warfare, annihilation can also be used to describe processes or events that bring about the complete destruction or elimination of something. It can be applied in the context of environmental disasters, where entire ecosystems or species face annihilation due to factors such as pollution, deforestation, or climate change.
Annihilation can also be employed metaphorically to describe the complete annulment or eradication of intangible entities, such as ideas, memories, or beliefs. It expresses the idea of these concepts being so completely negated or erased that they cease to exist or hold any influence.
In summary, annihilation refers to the complete and utter destruction or elimination of something, whether it pertains to physical entities, ideas, or concepts. It emphasizes the notion of complete eradication and leaving no traces or possibilities for recovery.
The act of reducing to nothing; a total destruction.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "annihilation" originates from the Late Latin term "annihilatio", derived from the verb "annihilare", meaning "to reduce to nothing". "Annihilare" is a combination of the Latin prefix "ad-" meaning "to" or "towards", and the noun "nihil", meaning "nothing". Hence, "annihilation" essentially refers to the act of reducing or completely destroying something to nothingness.