Meaning & Definition of word "Annihilation"

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.