obliteration

[ uh-blit-uh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of obliterating or the state of being obliterated.
2. Pathology, Surgery. the removal of a part as a result of disease or surgery.

Other Words From

• ob·lit·er·a·tive [uh, -, blit, -, uh, -rey-tiv, -er-, uh, -tiv], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obliteration¹

1650–60; < Latin oblitterātiōn- (stem of oblitterātiō ), equivalent to oblitterāt ( us ) ( obliterate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The problem is that Ronan is also forging her compelling warts-and-all portrait of obliteration and recovery in another type of gale storm, that of undisciplined filmmaking at odds with the patient harvesting of characterization.

From Los Angeles Times

Tech leaders have warned about the potential harms of A.I., including the obliteration of entire job categories, election interference, discrimination in housing and finance, and even the replacement of humankind.

From New York Times

Netanyahu has vowed all-out obliteration of Hamas as the only way to ensure Israelis’ long-term safety, but many experts believe that to be an unattainable goal.

From Los Angeles Times

“Our country is being destroyed, and the only thing standing between you and its obliteration is me,” Trump claimed.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of what passes away, he’s thinking about what can be rescued from some nameless, shapeless future obliteration.

From New York Times