A religious belief that the wicked or damned will be completely destroyed rather than punished eternally in hell.
From annihilate plus -ism (suffix forming doctrines/beliefs), combining Latin 'annihilare' with Greek -ism. Developed in 16th-17th century theology as an alternative to eternal punishment doctrine.
This theology actually offered a compassionate alternative to hell—believers thought complete destruction was merciful compared to eternal torture, making it controversially popular!
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