消灭

• Pinyin: xiāo miè
• Hanzi breakdown: 消 = 氵(water) + 肖 (resemble), meaning to eliminate; 灭 = fire being smothered (一 over 火), meaning to extinguish

Meaning

To eliminate; to annihilate; to wipe out. To completely destroy or get rid of something.

A strong word implying complete destruction. Used for enemies, pests, diseases, or abstract negatives like poverty. In casual speech, sometimes used humorously: 消灭食物 (finish off the food). Related: 消灭战 (war of annihilation).

Examples

1. 这种新型杀虫剂能有效消灭农田里的害虫。 This new pesticide can effectively eliminate pests in farmland.
2. 人类一直在努力消灭贫困，但仍有很长的路要走。 Humanity has been working hard to eliminate poverty, but there is still a long way to go.
3. 别浪费食物，大家一起把这些菜消灭掉。 Don't waste food; let's all finish off these dishes together.

Usage Guide

Context: military, pest control, social issues, casual

Tone: decisive

Do Say

• 我们要消灭一切害虫。(We must eliminate all pests.)
• 快把剩菜消灭掉！(Finish off the leftovers quickly!)

Don't Say

• 我消灭了我的坏心情 — 对于情绪用'调整'或'排解'，消灭太强烈

Origin & History

Compound of 消 (to diminish, eliminate) + 灭 (to extinguish, destroy). Both characters emphasize complete removal or destruction.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal