vernichten
Translation
to destroy, to annihilate, to exterminate
Examples
Das Feuer hat das ganze Haus vernichtet.
The fire destroyed the entire house.
Der Schädling vernichtet die gesamte Ernte.
The pest is destroying the entire harvest.
Grammar Patterns
((sth./sb.)) to destroy sth./sb. The storm destroyed many trees.
Similar Words
Synonyms: zerstören (to destroy), ausrotten (to exterminate)
Etymology
From 'ver-' (prefix indicating completion or a negative outcome) + 'nicht' (not). To make something into 'nothing'.
Memory Tips
Imagine turning something into 'nichts' (nothing). The verb 'ver-nichten' means to make something nothing.