Interesting Words and Expressions – Annihilate

What does annihilate mean?

It is a verb that means to destroy (something or someone) completely; obliterate OR to defeat (someone) completely.

How do you pronounce it?

/əˈnʌɪɪleɪt/

or

Where does it come from?

From the 1520’s, Late Latin ‘annihilatus’, past participle of ‘annihilare’, to bring to nothing.

How do you use it?

For example, “The enemy troops were annihilated.” OR “He annihilated his opponent in the last election.”