Pronunciation: [əblˈɪtəɹˌe͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "obliterate" is əˈblɪtəreɪt. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound and the "bli" is pronounced "blih." The "t" in the middle is pronounced with a flap or "d" sound. The final syllable "erate" is pronounced as "uh-rayt." This word means to completely destroy or wipe out. It is important to spell words correctly to ensure clear communication and avoid confusion.
Obliterate is a transitive verb that refers to the complete destruction or elimination of something, to the point where it ceases to exist or leaves no trace behind. It conveys the image of obliterating as if by wiping out or erasing completely. When something is obliterated, it is utterly wiped out or eradicated, making it unidentifiable or indistinguishable from its original state.
The term can be applied in various contexts, including physical, metaphorical, or historical instances. In a physical sense, obliterate implies the complete annihilation or devastation of an object or structure, often resulting in its total disappearance or reduction to rubble. It suggests a thorough and comprehensive demolition, leaving no remnants or recognizable parts.
Metaphorically, obliterate can describe the total elimination or eradication of an idea, memory, or concept. It conveys the idea of completely erasing or wiping out from one's mind or memory with intense force or conviction. Additionally, the term can be used in a historical context to describe the deliberate destruction or disappearance of records, documents, or artifacts to eliminate any trace of past events or occurrences.
Overall, the word obliterate highlights the notion of complete and irreversible destruction, removal, or erasure, emphasizing the vanishing or annihilation of something.
To efface, as anything written, printed, or engraved; to blot out; to erase; to destroy by time or other means, as from the memory.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "obliterate" originates from the Latin word "obliterare", which is formed by combining the prefix "ob" (meaning "completely") and the verb "litera" (meaning "letter" or "writing"). In Latin, "obliterare" primarily referred to the act of erasing or effacing letters or writing. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the total destruction or eradication of something, beyond the context of writing.
