die Vernichtung
Translation
destruction, annihilation, extermination
Examples
Der Krieg führte zur Vernichtung der Stadt.
The war led to the destruction of the city.
Die Vernichtung von Lebensraum bedroht viele Arten.
The destruction of habitat threatens many species.
Grammar Patterns
the destruction of ((sth.)) The destruction of the evidence took hours.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Zerstörung (destruction), Ausrottung (extermination); Antonyms: Schöpfung (creation), Aufbau (construction)
Etymology
From the verb 'vernichten' (to destroy), which is composed of 'ver-' (a prefix often indicating completion or a negative outcome) and 'nicht' (not/nothing). Literally 'to make into nothing'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'nicht' meaning 'not' or 'nothing'. 'Vernichtung' is the act of turning something into nothing.