Basic Details
Word: Obliterate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To completely destroy or wipe out something, so that it no longer exists.
Synonyms: Annihilate, Exterminate, Erase
Antonyms: Create, Construct, Preserve
Idioms and Phrases
- Wipe the slate clean: To remove previous records or memories, usually in a fresh start. Example: "After they argued, they decided to wipe the slate clean and be friends again."
- Utterly obliterated: Used to describe something that has been completely destroyed. Example: "The old building was utterly obliterated in the storm, leaving no trace behind."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The powerful earthquake seemed to obliterate the entire town in just a few moments.
Example 2: In the story, the hero was determined to obliterate the evil forces threatening the kingdom.
Example 3: Scientists are working hard to obliterate diseases that have caused suffering for many years.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word obliterate comes from the Latin word obliterare, which means to erase or destroy? It was first used in English in the early 1600s.
Famous Quote
"To be a great leader means to obliterate fear, to inspire greatness in others." - Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "obliterate" mean?
a) To create something new
b) To completely destroy
c) To fix something
d) To build a house
Answer: b) To completely destroy
2. Which of these is a synonym of "obliterate"?
a) Preserve
b) Annihilate
c) Discuss
d) Construct
Answer: b) Annihilate
3. What is an antonym of "obliterate"?
a) Erase
b) Wipe out
c) Create
d) Destroy
Answer: c) Create
4. Which sentence uses "obliterate" correctly?
a) The rain will obliterate the flowers.
b) The builders aim to obliterate the old structure.
c) The artist will obliterate a beautiful painting.
d) The chef will obliterate the food before serving it.
Answer: b) The builders aim to obliterate the old structure.
5. What does "wipe the slate clean" mean?
a) To destroy someone else's work
b) To forget past issues and start anew
c) To keep old memories
d) To erase all written words
Answer: b) To forget past issues and start anew
