See Also: obliterate(medicine)
obliterate(1)(dictionary)
obliterate(2)(dictionary)
obliterate(dictionary)

obliterate(2) (iou)



obliterate verb trans. L16.
[Latin oblit(t)erat- pa. ppl stem of oblit(t)erare strike out, erase, from ob- OB- + lit(t)era LETTER noun1: see -ATE3.]
Blot out, leaving no clear traces; cause to disappear from view; completely conceal; erase, efface. L16.
Lytton The colours were half obliterated by time and damp. H. E. Bates Snow..had obliterated everything..and I could not find the way. C. Francis Driving rain obliterated the Lizard, a couple of miles to starboard.
b. Cancel (a postage stamp etc.) to prevent further use. M19.
fig. Completely get rid of from the mind; do away with, destroy, (qualities, characteristics, etc.). L16.
R. L. Stevenson One brief impression follows and obliterates another. M. Spark Freddy had obliterated these days from his memory.
Medicine & Biology. Close up or destroy (a passage or cavity). E19.
obliteratingly adverb in an obliterating manner; so as to obliterate: M19.
obliterator noun a person who or thing which obliterates something; spec. an engraved block or stamping-tool used to cancel a postage stamp: M19.