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"Decimation" vs. "annihilation": parsing the power in language
Reviewed and edited by 
Lloyd Cooper 30/09/2024, 12:57
Lloyd Cooper 30/09/2024, 12:57English.me team member
What is similar?
Both terms refer to destruction or reduction of something, often applied in contexts of warfare or catastrophes.
What is different?
Decimation originally meant reducing by a tenth, but now it often implies severe damage. Annihilation means complete destruction or obliteration.
Which one is more common?
Examples of usage
Decimation- The wildlife population suffered decimation due to the forest fires.
- The economic sanctions led to the decimation of local businesses.
- The town faced total annihilation after the devastating bomb attack.
- The concept of nuclear war brings fears of global annihilation.
Difference
