消灭 xiāomiè to put an end to
to put an end to; to annihilate; to cause to perish; to perish; annihilation (in quantum field theory)
How to remember 消灭: 消 vanish + 灭 to extinguish = to put an end to.
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How it is used
- To wipe out/eliminate/exterminate - 消灭敌人 (xiāomiè dírén) annihilate the enemy, 消灭贫困 (xiāomiè pínkùn) eliminate poverty.
- A strong word meaning total destruction/eradication of something (enemies, pests, problems).
- Contrast 消除 (xiāochú, remove/dispel); 消灭 is more forceful - complete annihilation.