Annihilate is a verb that means to completely destroy or obliterate. The pronunciation of this word is /əˈnaɪ.ə.leɪt/. The first syllable is pronounced as "uh" using the schwa sound, while the second syllable has a long "i" sound. The third syllable is pronounced as "uh" again, using the schwa sound. The final syllable is pronounced as "layt". The spelling of "annihilate" follows the English orthography, where the letter "h" is silent and the letter "e" at the end signifies a long vowel sound in the second syllable.
Annihilate, a verb with Latin origins, refers to the complete and utter destruction or eradication of something. This forceful term is used to indicate the act of eliminating or obliterating an object, concept, entity, or even a person. It implies the reduction to non-existence, leaving no trace or remnants behind.
Annihilate often conveys a sense of brutal and irreversible elimination. It suggests a violent and absolute act, emphasizing its definitive and final nature. This term is utilized with great seriousness to convey the notion of absolute destruction, removing any possibility of recovery or resurrection. Examples of its usage could include wiping out an entire population, demolishing cities or structures, erasing memories, or annihilating an opponent in a fierce battle.
The concept of annihilate can extend beyond physical destruction. It may also refer to annihilating ideas, theories, or beliefs, implying a complete debunking or discrediting. In this context, it emphasizes the thorough displacement and eradication of something from collective knowledge or general acceptance.
Annihilate possesses a powerful connotation, symbolizing an ultimate and irreversible act of destruction. The term's essence is rooted in the sense of vanquishing, eliminating, or obliterating something or someone entirely, without the possibility of recovery or continuation.
To reduce to nothing; to destroy a body utterly, or the peculiar properties of a body.
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 annihilate comes from the Latin word annihilare, which is a combination of the prefix ad- meaning to or at and the noun nihil, meaning nothing. Therefore, the original Latin word annihilare can be translated to reduce to nothing or destroy completely.