ob·lit·er·a·tive \ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌrā]d.]iv, _rə], ]t], ]ēv also ]əv\adjective : inducing or characterized by obliteration: as a.: causing or accompanied by collapse or closure of a lumen (as of a blood vessel) < obliterative endarteritis > b.: tending to make inconspicuous < the characteristic obliterative shading of fishes > < obliterative behavior > • ob·lit·er·a·tive·ly\]ə̇vlē, -li\adverb