annihilator

[uh-nahy-uh-ley-ter]

noun

1. a person or thing that annihilates.

2. Mathematics.,  the set of all linear functionals that map to zero all elements of a given subset of a vector space.

Word History and Origins

Origin of annihilator¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; annihilate + -or ²

Example Sentences

It is the most patriarchal of crimes, as most family annihilators are men who cannot stand the idea that their wives and children may have lives beyond what use they have to him.

From Salon

It takes a closer look at the seemingly doting father who later became what experts have described as a "family annihilator."

From Fox News

There will always be mayhem and cults and murders and family annihilators.

From Salon

Popplewell spoke with Salon about what it was like editing the "Pandora's box" of footage, her views on the harassment Shanann's family has received, and the horrifying reality of "family annihilators."

From Salon

“People who are called family annihilators, who killed not only their wives but the children are almost always unemployed,” said Deborah Tucker, president of the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• bomber