noun

obliteration

uh-blih-tuh-RAY-shuhn/əˌblɪtəˈreɪʃn/

The complete destruction or erasure of something.

Only rubble and a bare foundation remain after the building's obliteration.

A clean empty stone foundation surrounded by fine rubble where a small building has been completely removed, no people or casualties.

Etymology

obLatinagainst

+literLatinletter, script

+ationLatinaction or process

The pieces evoke striking out letters so that writing disappears. That image of erasing a text broadened into wiping something out entirely, leaving no trace.

In context

SciFiAudioBooks102:48

You are expendable. Your planet is expendable. Your solar system is expendable. And on the day after obliteration, you will not even be missed.

Biddy and the Silver Man, by Harlan Ellison

More examples

Residents fear the obliteration of their neighborhood by the new highway.
The thick black ink ensures the obliteration of every name.
Without a backup, the obliteration of these files is permanent.

Forms

obliteration · obliterations

obliterate verb — To destroy or erase something completely.

Similar words

annihilation: Emphasizes total destruction rather than erasing marks or records.
erasure: Focuses on removing marks or information rather than destroying objects.
destruction: Can leave recognizable remains; obliteration stresses complete elimination.