Annihilation

/əˌnaɪ.əˈleɪ.ʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

the act of destroying completely; the state of being annihilated.

The annihilation of the city's historical landmarks was met with public outcry.

complete destruction or obliteration.

The scientists warned of the potential annihilation of entire species due to climate change.

total defeat or ruin.

The team's annihilation in the championship game left fans disappointed.

in physics, the process in which a particle and its antiparticle are destroyed, resulting in the release of energy.

The annihilation of an electron and a positron can produce gamma rays.

From Latin 'annihilatio', from 'ad-' (to) + 'nihil' (nothing).

total annihilation

Complete destruction with no survivors.

mutual annihilation

A concept where two opposing forces or entities exert enough power to annihilate one another.

annihilate

To destroy utterly; to obliterate.

nihility

The state of being nothing; nonexistence.

Slang for a total defeat or overwhelming loss.

Their team received an annihilation in the championship game.