obliterate

[ uh-blit-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ob·lit·er·at·ed, ob·lit·er·at·ing.

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

   Synonyms: expunge

obliterate

/ əˈblɪtəˌreɪt /

verb

1. tr to destroy every trace of; wipe out completely

Derived Forms

• oˈbliterative, adjective
• oˌbliteˈration, noun
• oˈbliterˌator, noun

Other Words From

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of obliterate¹

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

Synonym Study

See cancel.

Example Sentences

However, Israel is much more heavily armed and could obliterate southern Lebanon in response.

From Slate

The FTC said the combination of the two supermarket companies would obliterate competition between the major grocers, leading to higher prices and lower-quality products for millions of Americans.

From Los Angeles Times

It is strange to see how quickly trees and shrubs and stuff can obliterate stone walling.”

From BBC

On posters lining the walls of Trump's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, one quotation stood out for capturing Trump's self-styled image as the selfless victim of a vast leftwing witch hunt who's vowed to fight to "obliterate the deep state" he claims is behind it all.

From Salon

But what she didn’t know was that a meteor was hurtling in her direction, about to obliterate everything.

From BBC

Related Words

• annihilate
• black out
• eliminate
• eradicate
• erase
• expunge
• exterminate
• knock out
• obscure
• ravage
• smash
• wash out
• wipe out