Search Dictionary
Definition of annihilate

annihilate

/əˈnaɪ.ə.leɪt/
an · ni · hi · late
Adjective:annihilative
•
Past Simple:annihilated
•
Past Participle:annihilated
•
Present Participle:annihilating
JUMP TO:

annihilate Lexical Profile

annihilate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To destroy utterly or obliterate so that nothing remains.

Example

"The sudden volcanic eruption threatened to annihilate the entire coastal ecosystem."

2

To defeat decisively and overwhelmingly in a competition, game, or debate.

Example

"The defending champions managed to annihilate their rivals in the final round of the tournament."

3

To cause a subatomic particle and its antiparticle to collide and convert completely into radiant energy (in physics).

Example

"When an electron and a positron collide, they annihilate each other and produce gamma-ray photons."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for annihilate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for annihilate

• Rhymes for annihilate

• Nearby Words

annex
annexation
annie
annihilate
annihilation
annihilator
anniversary

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin annihilatus, the past participle of annihilare ('to reduce to nothing'), formed from the prefix ad- ('to') and nihil ('nothing').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Annihilate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/annihilate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.