Definition of oblivion

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< obliterate

oblivious >

o·bliv·i·on    (-blv-n) KEY 

NOUN:

1. The condition or quality of being completely forgotten: "He knows that everything he writes is consigned to posterity (oblivion's other, seemingly more benign, face)" (Joyce Carol Oates).
2. The act or an instance of forgetting; total forgetfulness: sought the great oblivion of sleep.
3. Official overlooking of offenses; amnesty.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin oblvi, oblvin-, from oblvsc, to forget; see lei- in Indo-European roots