wipeout

or wipe-out

[ wahyp-out ]

noun

1. Informal. destruction, annihilation, or murder.
2. Informal. (in sports) a decisive defeat.
3. a fall from a surfboard.
4. Slang. a total or complete failure:

   to suffer a wipeout in the stock market.

5. Slang. complete physical exhaustion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wipeout¹

First recorded in 1920–25; noun use of verb phrase wipe out

Example Sentences

This wipeout is not yet as spectacular as the stunning crush of two Octobers ago, but give it time.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s been a tough time for the Tories after a Welsh wipeout at the general election.

From BBC

There have already been some spectacular wipeouts in Olympic warm-up sessions, but so far no serious injuries.

From Los Angeles Times

I have seen scenarios which suggest the Conservatives could be facing an historic wipeout.

From BBC

Last week’s local elections in England suggested the 2019 coalition has shattered, and many analysts believe the Conservatives could be headed for a wipeout in a general election expected in the fall.

From New York Times