消滅する

shōmetsu suru
verbIntermediate to disappear, to vanish, to be extinguished
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.

Collocations

完全に消滅するto be completely extinguished徐々に消滅するto gradually disappear消滅する危機the danger of extinction

Related Phrases

絶滅危惧種phrase
endangered species
消滅戦争phrase
war of extermination

💡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

to disappear
root
+
to be extinguished
root
+
する
to do
suffix
和英辞典