OBLITERATION Meaning and
Definition
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Obliteration is a noun that refers to the complete destruction or annihilation of something, often resulting in the elimination or erasure of all traces or evidence of its existence. It can also describe the act or process of completely wiping out or removing something, whether physical or metaphorical, from existence, memory, or consciousness.
In a physical context, obliteration may involve the complete demolition or leveling of buildings, structures, or landscapes, leaving behind no remnants or recognizable elements. Natural disasters such as earthquakes or tornadoes can cause the obliteration of entire cities or villages, reducing them to debris and ruins.
Metaphorically, obliteration can capture the elimination of an idea, concept, or belief system entirely, to the extent that it is rendered obsolete or forgotten. Sometimes, it is used to describe the deliberate act of removing certain information or records, eradicating any evidence or trace that could be used for identification, historical reference, or investigation.
The word "obliteration" carries a sense of thoroughness and finality, emphasizing the profound and irreparable nature of the destruction or removal. It implies a complete wiping away, leaving no trace or vestige behind. Whether describing the physical destruction of something or the eradication of an abstract notion, obliteration denotes an act that results in complete disappearance and erasure.
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The act of effacing; a blotting out or wearing out.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for OBLITERATION
Etymology of OBLITERATION
The word obliteration originated from the Latin term obliteratus, which is the past participle of the verb obliterare. In Latin, ob means against or completely, and litera means letter or writing. Thus, obliterare originally referred to the act of erasing letters or writing by covering or smearing them. Over time, the meaning of the term expanded to encompass the idea of completely destroying or effacing something, leading to the modern sense of obliteration.
Similar spelling words for OBLITERATION
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