Annihilative is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language. However, it is a word that has a powerful meaning and is often used in specific contexts. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of annihilative, its origin, and its various associations.
Definitions
Annihilative is an adjective that is used to describe something that has the power to completely destroy or obliterate something else. It is often used to describe actions or events that are catastrophic in nature, such as a natural disaster or a military attack.
Origin
The word annihilative comes from the Latin word annihilare, which means to reduce to nothing. The word has been in use in English since the 17th century and has retained its meaning throughout its history.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of annihilative is consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “destructive or devastating.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “tending to destroy, obliterate, or annihilate.”
Associations
Annihilative is often associated with catastrophic events such as natural disasters, wars, and acts of terrorism. It is also associated with the power of nature and the destruction that it can cause.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for annihilative, including destructive, devastating, ruinous, catastrophic, and fatal.
Antonyms
The antonyms of annihilative are constructive, creative, and productive. These words describe actions or events that build or create something rather than destroy it.
The same root words
The root word of annihilative is annihilation, which is a noun that means complete destruction or obliteration. Other words that share this root include annihilate, which means to destroy completely, and annul, which means to cancel or invalidate.
Example Sentences
- The hurricane was so powerful that it had an annihilative effect on the town.
- The bombing had an annihilative impact on the city’s infrastructure.
- The disease had an annihilative effect on the population, wiping out entire communities.
- The army launched an annihilative attack on the enemy, leaving nothing but rubble in its wake.
In conclusion, the word annihilative may not be commonly used in everyday language, but it is a powerful word that describes events or actions that have the power to completely destroy or obliterate something else. Its associations with catastrophic events and its synonyms and antonyms all point to the destructive nature of the word.