Obliterate

Verb

Definition: To destroy utterly; wipe out.

Synonyms: Annihilate, Erase, Demolish

Antonyms: Preserve, Protect, Create

Examples:

The hurricane obliterated the coastal town, leaving nothing but destruction.
The photo was so blurry, it was almost impossible to make out the faces, as if someone tried to obliterate them with a filter.

Mnemonics:

Remember "obliterate" as "obliviate" from the Harry Potter series, where it meant erasing memories.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "obliterate" comes from the Latin word "obliterare," which means "to erase, blot out."

Historical Usage:

The word has been in use since the late 16th century with a similar meaning related to destroying or erasing something completely.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Obliterate from memory"

Explanation:

To completely forget or remove something from one's memory.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "obliterate" with "obliviate."

Explanation:

"Obliterate" means destroying something utterly, while "obliviate" refers specifically to erasing memories. They are similar but separate words with different connotations.