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Obliterate Meaning in English

word

əˈbɫɪtɝˌeɪt
uh-BLIT-ur-ayt
əblˈɪtəɹˌeɪt
uh-BLIT-uh-rayt

Definition

To destroy something completely so that nothing is left; or to remove all signs, memories, or traces of something.

Usage & Nuances

'Obliterate' is formal and dramatic, often used for total destruction (physical or abstract, like memories). Common with objects, places, or ideas. Typical collocations: 'obliterate evidence', 'obliterate a city', 'obliterate memories'. Not for minor damage—implies nothing remains.

Example Sentences

The bomb obliterated the entire building.

basic

Time cannot obliterate true friendship.

basic

They tried to obliterate any evidence of the crime.

basic

Years of war had obliterated the town's original character.

natural

One click could obliterate your data if you're not careful.

natural

That embarrassing mistake will be hard to obliterate from my memory.

natural