View synonyms for obliterate

obliterate

[ uh-blit-uh-reyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

, ob·lit·er·at·ed, ob·lit·er·at·ing.

to remove or destroy all traces of; do away with; destroy completely.
to blot out or render undecipherable (writing, marks, etc.); efface.
Synonyms: expunge

obliterate

/ əˈblɪtəˌreɪt /

verb

tr to destroy every trace of; wipe out completely

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Derived Forms

oˈbliterative, adjective
oˌbliteˈration, noun
oˈbliterˌator, noun

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Other Words From

ob·lit·er·a·ble [uh, -, blit, -er-, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
o·blit·er·a·tor noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of obliterate¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin oblitterātus “effaced,” past participle of oblitterāre “to efface, cause to be forgotten,” equivalent to ob- ob- + litter(a) letter ¹ + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

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Word History and Origins

Origin of obliterate¹

C16: from Latin oblitterāre to erase, from ob- out + littera letter

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Synonym Study

See cancel.

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Example Sentences

Mr Saul said the bombing “obliterates the distinction between civilian objects and military objectives” and “opens the door to ‘total war’ against civilian populations”.

From BBC

Dives led by explorer Victor Vescovo in 2019 showed that the starboard side of the officer’s quarters were collapsing, destroying state rooms and obliterating features like the captain’s bath from view.

From BBC

Draper's frustration was demonstrated when he obliterated his racquet after going a break down in the first game of the decider.

From BBC

Each news organisation had their own building in the compound, she said, and the building housing the Al Mayadeen reporters was "obliterated" while al-Manar employees were inside.

From BBC

They insisted that the sheikh was not the target, noting that the house had been “obliterated”.

From BBC

Related Words

obliquity obliterated

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