annihilate
Translation
to destroy utterly, to obliterate, to defeat completely
Examples
The army threatened to annihilate the city.
The army threatened to annihilate the city.
He annihilated his opponent in the chess match.
He annihilated his opponent in the chess match.
Grammar Patterns
((sth./sb.)) to destroy (sth./sb.) completely The army threatened to annihilate the city.
Similar Words
Synonyms: destroy, obliterate, exterminate, wipe out
Etymology
From Latin 'ad' (to) + 'nihil' (nothing). Literally 'to bring to nothing'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'a-nihil-ate' as 'to make into nothing (nihil)'. The 'nihil' part is key.