vernichten
Translation
to destroy, to annihilate, to exterminate
Examples
Das Feuer hat das ganze Haus vernichtet.
The fire destroyed the entire house.
Alle Beweise wurden vernichtet.
All evidence was destroyed.
Grammar Patterns
((sth./sb.)) to destroy sth./sb. Der Feind wurde vernichtet.
Similar Words
Synonyms: zerstören, auslöschen; Antonyms: erschaffen, aufbauen
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' (often implying completion or a negative outcome) + 'nichts' (nothing). Literally 'to make into nothing'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'ver-' + 'nichts' (nothing). To turn something into nothing is to destroy it completely.