noun

annihilation

uh-ny-uh-LAY-shun/əˌnaɪəˈleɪʃn/

Complete destruction or elimination.

The model's annihilation leaves only an unrecognizable heap of wooden debris.

A small wooden model structure is shown before and after complete destruction into an unrecognizable debris heap; no casualties or real disaster claim.

Etymology

anLatinto

+nihilLatinnothing

+ationLatinaction or process

The pieces name the act of reducing something to nothing. That original idea of nonexistence gives the word its force as complete destruction, not simply damage.

In context

Oculus Imperia1:18

one of the Cardinal aspects of primordial Annihilation the brain the self the Mind boiled into a toxic sludge

Arks of Omen Part II: Angron, Daemon Primarch (Warhammer 40,000 Lore)

More examples

The threatened species faces annihilation as its habitat disappears.
The film imagines the annihilation of an entire civilization.
The team's crushing loss feels like sporting annihilation.

Forms

annihilate verb — To destroy or eliminate completely.

Similar words

destruction: Can leave more remnants than complete annihilation.
extinction: Specifically concerns the disappearance of a species or continuing lineage.