Definition

Causing complete destruction or obliteration.

Example

The annihilatory effects of the bomb were devastating.

Conversation

Did you see that movie with the annihilatory alien race?

Yeah, it was intense! Those aliens were terrifying.

I know, right? Their power to destroy everything was so overwhelming.

Exactly! It really kept me on the edge of my seat.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Annihilatory → It is formed from "annihilare" (meaning to reduce to nothing) and the suffix "-ory" (meaning relating to or characterized by). The word "annihilatory" describes something that causes or relates to the act of reducing something to nothing or complete destruction.

Memory Tip

Think of the root 'annihilare' meaning to 'reduce to nothing' — this helps you remember that 'annihilatory' refers to something that causes complete destruction.

Visually Confused Words