Dictionary entries for 'obliterate'

Synonyms

abolish
annihilate
blot out
clear
eradicate
erase
exterminate
extinguish
extirpate
kill
liquidate
remove
root
rub out
snuff out
stamp out
uproot
wipe out
annul
blot

o·blit·er·ate (ə-blĭt́ə-rāt́, ō-blĭt́-)

[Latin oblitterāre, oblitterāt-, to erase, from ob litterās (scrībere), (to write) over letters (ob, over; see ob–) (litterās accusative pl. of littera, letter), and from oblītus past participle of oblīvīscī, to forget; see oblivion.]

transitive verb: -at·ed, -at·ing, -ates.

To do away with completely so as to leave no trace. See synonyms at abolish
To wipe out, rub off, or erase (writing or other markings).
Medicine To remove completely (a body organ or part), as by surgery, disease, or radiation.

derivatives

o·blit́er·átion: noun
o·blit́er·átive: adjective
o·blit́er·átor: noun

transitive verb: -at·ed, -at·ing, -ates.

derivatives

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition