V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary
obliterate
verb
Definition: 1. to annihilate or destroy something totally; 2. to hide or cover up writing so that it cannot be seen
Synonyms: destroy, annihilate, expunge, exterminate, extirpate, erase
Antonyms: create, construct, restore
Tips: Obliterate comes from obliterare, "to blot out; erase." For the definition of "complete destruction," think of something being completely erased from the planet. Obliterate and annihilate are synonymous. To obliterate is to destroy to the point that nothing is left. To annihilate is to destroy to the point that something no longer exists. A bomb can obliterate a town so that nothing of the town exists anymore, while a disease can annihilate the habitants of a town--kills everyone so they no longer exist. Annihilate can also refer to defeating someone convincingly and easily, while obliterate can also refer to erasing something or obscuring something.
Usage Examples:
The opposing army was completely obliterated by the new weapon. (destroyed)
They tried to obliterate the graffiti left by the vandals, using a fresh coat of paint. (erase, expunge)
Cancer researchers hope to someday obliterate the dreaded disease. (destroy, annihilate)
The usually beautiful view of the Golden Gate bridge was obliterated by fog this morning. (erased, obscured)
Discover How You Can Improve Your
Vocabulary 10 to 100 Times Faster with
the Power Vocabulary Builder
Dear Friend,
The definition and lessons for the word obliterate were made available by the Power Vocabulary Builder.
The Power Vocabulary Builder will help you develop a fuller, richer vocabulary 10 to 100 times faster than any other program available.
Visit the the Power Vocabulary Builder site right now to discover how you can get full access to this breakthrough program today!
incongruous - Definition of incongruous
truculent - Definition of truculent
abeyance - Definition of abeyance
incredulous - Definition of incredulous
hypothetical - Definition of hypothetical
