annihilate
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /əˈnaɪəˌleɪt/
KK: /əˈnaɪəˌleɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To completely destroy or eliminate something, often used in a scientific context to describe the interaction of particles that results in their mutual destruction.
Example
When an electron and a positron meet, they can annihilate each other, producing energy in the form of gamma rays.
Tense Forms
Past: annihilated
Past Participle: annihilated
Conversation
Did you know that when an electron and a positron meet, they can annihilate each other?
Really? I read something about that in my physics class.
It's fascinating how particles can just disappear like that when they annihilate.
Yeah, it makes you think about the nature of matter and energy!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
destroy
obliterate
eradicate
Antonyms
create
build
generate
transitive verb
Definition
To completely destroy something so that it no longer exists or can be seen.
Example
The powerful explosion annihilated the entire building.
Tense Forms
Past: annihilated
Past Participle: annihilated
Conversation
Did you hear about that game last night?
Yeah, it was crazy! They really annihilated the other team.
I know, right? I didn't expect such a huge win.
Root Explanation
Annihilate → It is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "nihil" (meaning nothing) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating to make or cause). The word means to make something into nothing or to completely destroy it.
Memory Tip
Think of 'making something into nothing' — 'ad-' means to, and 'nihil' means nothing, which helps you remember that annihilate means to completely destroy.
Visually Confused Words
coannihilate
unannihilated