滅ぼす

• Reading: ほろぼす
• Romaji: horobosu
• Kanji breakdown: 滅 (horo/metsu) — to destroy, extinguish, bring to ruin
• Pronunciation: /ho.ɾo.bo.sɯ/

Meaning

To destroy; to overthrow; to wreck; to ruin; to bring to ruin. The transitive counterpart of 滅びる, describing the act of causing destruction.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb. While 滅びる describes something perishing on its own, 滅ぼす focuses on the agent causing the destruction. Common in historical narratives about conquests, as well as environmental and philosophical discussions about humanity's destructive potential.

Examples

1. 侵略者がその国を滅ぼした。 The invaders destroyed the country.
2. 環境破壊が人類を滅ぼすかもしれない。 Environmental destruction may end up destroying humanity.
3. 独裁者は反対勢力を滅ぼそうとした。 The dictator tried to destroy the opposition.

Usage Guide

Context: history, warfare, environment

Tone: dramatic

Origin & History

Transitive form derived from 滅ぶ/滅びる by adding the causative す ending. The kanji 滅 has Buddhist origins meaning 'to extinguish,' later extended to destruction of nations and peoples.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal