obliterative
|ob-lit-er-a-tive|
🇺🇸
/əˈblɪtərətɪv/
🇬🇧
/əˈblɪt(ə)rətɪv/
wipe out
Etymology
'obliterative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'oblitterare' (related to past participle 'oblitteratus'), where 'ob-' meant 'against/toward' and 'littera' meant 'letter'.
'obliterative' changed from the Latin verb 'oblitterare' (to blot out letters), passed into Medieval/Modern French as 'oblitérer' and into English as 'obliterate', and the adjective form 'obliterative' was later formed in English from that verb.
Initially it meant 'to blot out letters' (i.e., to erase writing), but over time it evolved into the broader modern meaning of 'to destroy or remove completely; to wipe out'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
causing or tending to cause complete destruction or removal; serving to obliterate or blot out.
The bombing had an obliterative effect on the old industrial district.
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Adjective 2
(medical) Causing closure or occlusion of a lumen or vessel; producing obliteration (e.g., obliterative endarteritis).
Obliterative endarteritis is marked by progressive narrowing and obliterative changes in the arterial lumen.
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Last updated: 2025/09/22 03:09