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"Decimation" vs. "annihilation": parsing the power in language

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 30/09/2024, 12:57

English.me team member

Decimation and annihilation. What's the difference?

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?

Internet search results for decimation) and annihilation

Examples of usage

Decimation

The wildlife population suffered decimation due to the forest fires.
The economic sanctions led to the decimation of local businesses.

Annihilation

The town faced total annihilation after the devastating bomb attack.
The concept of nuclear war brings fears of global annihilation.

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