Definition

1. Verb:
   • To destroy completely, leaving no trace: To remove or destroy something so thoroughly that it seems it never existed.
   • To make something illegible or invisible: To blot out, erase, or obscure writing, marks, or features.
   • To wipe from memory or consciousness: To remove all remembrance or awareness of something.

Usage

The verb "obliterate" is a strong term used to describe complete and total destruction or removal. It is often used in contexts of physical destruction, erasure of information, or the complete defeat of an opponent. It is typically transitive, requiring a direct object.

Examples

• Physical Destruction:
  • The powerful bomb threatened to obliterate the entire city block.
  • The hurricane's storm surge obliterated the small coastal village.
• Erasure or Removal:
  • He used a thick marker to obliterate the sensitive information on the document.
  • Time had almost obliterated the ancient inscription on the tombstone.
• Complete Defeat:
  • The home team obliterated their rivals with a score of 10-0.
• Memory or Consciousness:
  • She tried to obliterate the painful memory from her mind.

Advanced Usage

• "to be obliterated" (Passive Voice): Describes something that has been completely destroyed or erased.
  • The historic landmark was obliterated during the war.
• Figurative Use: Can describe overwhelming something non-physical.
  • Her kindness obliterated any doubts I had about her.

Variants and Related Words

• Obliteration (noun): The act or process of obliterating, or the state of being obliterated.
  • The obliteration of the forest was a tragic loss.
• Obliterable (adjective): Capable of being obliterated. (Less common)

Synonyms

• Annihilate: To destroy utterly.
• Efface: To erase or make indistinct.
• Expunge: To strike or blot out; to erase completely.
• Eradicate: To remove or destroy completely.
• Wipe out: To destroy completely.

Antonyms

• Create: To bring into existence.
• Preserve: To maintain in its original state.
• Restore: To bring back to a former condition.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Obliterate from the face of the earth": To destroy something so completely that no part of it remains on Earth.
  • The dictator vowed to obliterate the rebellion from the face of the earth.
• "Obliterate all traces": To remove every single piece of evidence or remnant.
  • The criminals tried to obliterate all traces of their presence.

Adjective

1. reduced to nothingness

Verb

1. do away with completely, without leaving a trace
2. remove completely from recognition or memory
   • efface the memory of the time in the camps
3. make undecipherable or imperceptible by obscuring or concealing
   • a hidden message
   • a veiled threat
4. mark for deletion, rub off, or erase
   • kill these lines in the President's speech