Annihilationist is a word that is not commonly used in everyday conversations, but it is a term that has a specific meaning in certain contexts. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of annihilationist, its origin, and how it is used in different dictionaries. We will also look at the associations, synonyms, and antonyms of annihilationist, as well as its root words and example sentences.
Definitions
Annihilationist refers to someone who believes that after death, a person’s soul or consciousness is completely destroyed, and there is no afterlife or eternal existence. This belief is often associated with atheism or materialism, which reject the idea of a spiritual or supernatural realm.
In some religious traditions, annihilationism is also used to describe the belief that those who are not saved will be annihilated or destroyed rather than suffering eternal punishment in hell.
Origin
The word annihilationist comes from the verb “annihilate,” which means to destroy completely. The suffix “-ist” is added to create a noun form that describes someone who holds a particular belief or ideology.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines annihilationist as “one who believes in the annihilation of the soul or of all things.” The Oxford English Dictionary describes it as “a person who believes that something should be completely destroyed or eradicated.”
Associations
Annihilationism is often associated with philosophical and theological debates about the nature of the soul, the afterlife, and the existence of God. It is also a topic of discussion in debates about the morality of punishment and the concept of justice.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for annihilationist include:
- Destructionist.
- Obliterator.
- Eradicator.
- Extinguisher.
- Wiper-out.
Antonyms
Antonyms of annihilationist include:
- Eternalist.
- Immortalist.
- Afterlifer.
- Believer in the afterlife.
- Spiritualist.
The same root words
Some other words that share the same root as annihilationist include:
- Annihilate.
- Annihilator.
- Annihilatory.
- Annihilable.
Example Sentences
- The annihilationist believed that death was the end of all existence.
- Some religious traditions teach annihilationism as an alternative to eternal punishment in hell.
- The destructionist argued that the only way to solve the problem was to completely eliminate it.
- The obliterator was tasked with destroying all evidence of the experiment.
- The spiritualist believed in the existence of an afterlife, while the annihilationist rejected the idea.