Looking up...
消滅する
shōmetsu suru
to disappear, to vanish, to be extinguished
その古い習慣は徐々に消滅していった。
That old custom gradually disappeared.
general
To disappear or vanish completely, often permanently.
火は消滅するまで水をかけ続けた。
We kept pouring water on the fire until it was completely extinguished.
その種は絶滅して消滅した。
That species became extinct and vanished.
Often used for things that no longer exist or are no longer relevant.
Law
formal
To be abolished or eliminated, especially in a legal or formal context.
その法律は消滅することが決定された。
It was decided that the law would be abolished.
Used in legal contexts to describe the formal elimination of laws, rights, or obligations.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Often used for things that no longer exist or are no longer relevant.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
In formal contexts, it can mean 'to be abolished' (e.g., laws). In informal contexts, it means 'to disappear'.
Word Origin
From 消 (shō, 'to disappear') + 滅 (metsu, 'to be extinguished').
Usage Notes
Can be used for both physical disappearance and abstract concepts like traditions or laws.
Word Breakdown
消
to disappear
root滅
to be extinguished
rootする
to do
suffix和英辞典