Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

obliteration

[uh-blit-uh-rey-shuh n]
See more synonyms for obliteration on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the act of obliterating or the state of being obliterated.
  2. Pathology, Surgery. the removal of a part as a result of disease or surgery.
Show More

Origin of obliteration

1650–60; < Latin oblitterātiōn- (stem of oblitterātiō), equivalent to oblitterāt(us) (see obliterate) + -iōn- -ion
Related formsob·lit·er·a·tive [uh-blit-uh-rey-tiv, -er-uh-tiv] /əˈblɪt əˌreɪ tɪv, -ər ə tɪv/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

ruinationundoingliquidationdownfallextinctionenderadicationruinhavocsubversionoverthrowextirpationmurdermassacreinvalidationslaughterbaneeliminationcarnageloss

Examples from the Web for obliteration

Historical Examples

  • Obliteration of a portion of the Urethra, remedied by an operation.

    North American Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, July, 1826

    Various

  • There was no springing to her side; no rapture of declared affection; no obliteration of her shame.

    The Man

    Bram Stoker

  • The obliteration of Desire is the first aim of the Buddhist.

    Indian Myth and Legend

    Donald Alexander Mackenzie

  • Moses seeks the obliteration of his name, unless Israel was pardoned.

    Christmas Evans

    Paxton Hood

  • Nothing but fish stands between their town and obliteration.

Word Origin and History for obliteration

n.

1650s, from Late Latin obliterationem (nominative obliteratio), noun of action from past participle stem of obliterare (see obliterate).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper