annihilate
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Latin annihilō (“I reduce to nothing”), from ad (“to”) + nihil (“nothing”).
Pronunciation [edit]
Verb [edit]
annihilate (third-person singular simple present annihilates, present participle annihilating, simple past and past participle annihilated)
- To reduce to nothing, to destroy, to eradicate.
- An atom bomb can annihilate a whole city.
- (archaic) To treat as worthless, to vilify.
- 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.17:
- of all the opinions which Antiquity hath had of men in gross, those which I most willingly embrace, and whereon I take most hold, are such as most vilifie, condemne, and annihilate us.
- 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.17:
Synonyms [edit]
- (to reduce to nothing) benothing, destroy, eradicate, extinguish
- See also Wikisaurus:destroy
Related terms [edit]
Translations [edit]
to reduce to nothing, to destroy, to eradicate
|
|
External links [edit]
- annihilate in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- annihilate in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
Latin [edit]
Verb [edit]
annihilāte
- first-person plural present active imperative of annihilō
