Meaning & Definition of word "Annihilation"

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    Annihilation

    /əˌnaɪ.əˈleɪ.ʃən/

    noun:

    • 1. the act of destroying completely; the state of being annihilated.
      • Example: The annihilation of the city's historical landmarks was met with public outcry.
    • 2. complete destruction or obliteration.
      • Example: The scientists warned of the potential annihilation of entire species due to climate change.
    • 3. total defeat or ruin.
      • Example: The team's annihilation in the championship game left fans disappointed.
    • 4. in physics, the process in which a particle and its antiparticle are destroyed, resulting in the release of energy.
      • Example: The annihilation of an electron and a positron can produce gamma rays.

    Etymology

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

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    total annihilation:

    Complete destruction with no survivors.

    mutual annihilation:

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

    Related Words

    annihilate:

    To destroy utterly; to obliterate.

    nihility:

    The state of being nothing; nonexistence.

    Slang Meanings of annihilation

    Meaning: Slang for a total defeat or overwhelming loss.

    Example Sentence: Their team received an annihilation in the championship game.