1.
extinction, disappearance, annihilation
Complete disappearance or ceasing to exist. Used for the dying out of species, civilizations, or organizations, as well as the legal termination of rights or obligations.
その文明は消滅した。
That civilization disappeared.
多くの言語が消滅の危機にある。
Many languages are in danger of extinction.
時効が成立すると、請求権は消滅する。
When the statute of limitations is reached, the right to claim is extinguished.
USAGE:
A formal word with a strong sense of finality — something ceasing to exist completely. More absolute than 消失 (disappearance), which can imply something simply vanishing from view. 消滅 implies permanent, irreversible disappearance.
In legal contexts, used for the termination or expiration of rights, contracts, or obligations.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 消滅する: to become extinct, to disappear
- 消滅の危機: danger of extinction
- 時効消滅: expiration by statute of limitations
- 権利が消滅する: a right is extinguished
Related Words
Related:
消失 (disappearance)