Definitions
- Describing the complete destruction or erasure of something, such as a building, city, or memory. - Referring to the elimination or removal of something, such as a threat or obstacle. - Talking about the overwhelming defeat or domination of an opponent or enemy.
- Describing the complete and utter destruction or eradication of something, such as a civilization or species. - Referring to the total defeat or destruction of an enemy or opponent. - Talking about the complete and utter failure or collapse of a system or organization.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe complete and total destruction.
- 2Both words can be used to describe the defeat of an enemy or opponent.
- 3Both words can be used to describe the removal or elimination of something.
- 4Both words have a negative connotation.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Annihilate is more intense than obliterate and implies a more complete and thorough destruction.
- 2Scope: Annihilate is often used to describe the destruction of entire civilizations or species, while obliterate is used for smaller-scale destruction.
- 3Usage: Obliterate can also mean to erase or eliminate something non-physical, such as a memory or idea, while annihilate is typically used for physical destruction.
- 4Connotation: Annihilate has a more violent and aggressive connotation than obliterate, which can also imply a sense of removal or elimination.
Remember this!
Obliterate and annihilate are synonyms that both describe complete and total destruction. However, annihilate is more intense and implies a more thorough destruction, often used to describe the destruction of entire civilizations or species. Obliterate, on the other hand, is used for smaller-scale destruction and can also mean to erase or eliminate something non-physical, such as a memory or idea.
