滅 means 'destroy'

As these essays show, political power shifted dramatically during the Heian period (794–1185). Emperors became figureheads while aristocrats grabbed true power. Starting in the mid-9th century, the Fujiwara clan became regents and advisers, excluding other clans from that scene. In the tussle for power, entire families could be eliminated; in one massive sea battle, the Minamoto clan exterminated the Taira family. By the late 10th century, Fujiwara power reached its zenith. For instance, Japanese artists developed a national style from 894 to 1185, and art historians call that the Fujiwara period, simply because of who was in charge.