Annihilate Meaning in English

word

US

əˈnaɪəˌɫeɪt

uh-NY-uh-layt

UK

ɐnˈaɪəlˌeɪt

uh-NY-uhl-ayt

Definition

To destroy something completely so that nothing is left. It can also mean to defeat someone or something totally.

Usage & Nuances

Generally formal or dramatic; often used in scientific, military, or science fiction contexts. Collocates with 'enemy', 'opponent', 'force', 'city', 'evidence'. Not for casual everyday destruction; much stronger than 'destroy'.

• Spanish: aniquilar - destruir por completo
• Portuguese (BR): aniquilar - destruir completamente
• Portuguese (PT): aniquilar - destruir completamente
• Chinese (Simplified): 消灭 - 毁灭
• Chinese (Traditional): 消滅 - 毀滅
• Hindi: समाप्त करना - नष्ट कर देना
• Arabic: يفني - يدمر تماماً
• Bengali: সম্পূর্ণ ধ্বংস করা - নিশ্চিহ্ন করা
• Russian: уничтожить - истребить
• Japanese: 全滅させる - 完全に破壊する
• Vietnamese: hủy diệt hoàn toàn - tiêu diệt sạch
• Korean: 전멸시키다 - 완전히 파괴하다
• Turkish: yok etmek - tamamen yok etmek
• Urdu: مکمل طور پر تباہ کرنا - نیست و نابود کرنا
• Indonesian: membinasakan - menghancurkan sepenuhnya

Example Sentences

The fire annihilated the old warehouse.

basic

They planned to annihilate the invading forces.

basic

The disease nearly annihilated the local population.

basic

The new policy could annihilate small businesses if it passes.

natural

The team was so strong, they completely annihilated their opponents.

natural

If we don't act soon, climate change could annihilate many species.

natural