Decimate: meaning, definitions and examples
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decimate
[ˈdɛs.ɪ.meɪt ]
Definition
destruction scale
To decimate means to destroy a large portion of something or significantly reduce its strength or effectiveness. Originally, it referred specifically to the Roman military punishment of killing one in every ten soldiers in a mutinous group. In modern usage, it often applies to widespread devastation, such as that caused by natural disasters or warfare. The term conveys a sense of great loss or destruction, often implying that the remaining part is severely weakened.
Synonyms
annihilate, destroy, devastate, exterminate, obliterate.
Examples of usage
- The hurricane decimated the coastal town.
- The disease decimated the population of the region.
- Overfishing has decimated fish populations worldwide.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'decimare', which means to take a tenth, derived from 'decimus', meaning tenth.
- Originally, it referred to a punishment in the Roman army where one in every ten soldiers was killed for mutiny.
- Over time, its meaning evolved to represent destruction on a larger scale, not just one-tenth.
Military History
- In ancient Rome, decimation was used as a method of discipline to restore order within the ranks.
- This brutal tactic instilled fear and maintained control, illustrating the harsh realities of military life in ancient times.
- The practice was not commonly used and was seen as a last resort due to its drastic nature.
Literature
- The word is often employed in literature to emphasize devastating loss or destruction, appearing in both poetry and prose.
- Notable authors have used it to describe the aftermath of battles or natural disasters, highlighting human suffering.
- In modern narratives, it can metaphorically depict the impact of war on communities and families.
Pop Culture
- The term appears frequently in movies and books that deal with themes of war, conflict, or survival.
- It’s often used in video games to describe strategies or outcomes that significantly weaken the enemy force.
- Popular media may exaggerate the term to depict catastrophic scenarios, contributing to its dramatic flair.
Science
- In ecology, it can describe the significant reduction of a population due to environmental factors or human intervention.
- The term is sometimes used informally to discuss the severe depletion of resources, such as the decimation of a fish population due to overfishing.
- Studies on extinction events highlight how certain species have been decimated by climate change and habitat loss.
Translations
Translations of the word "decimate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 decimar
🇮🇳 नष्ट करना
🇩🇪 decimieren
🇮🇩 menghancurkan
🇺🇦 винищити
🇵🇱 dziesiątkować
🇯🇵 壊滅させる
🇫🇷 décimer
🇪🇸 diezmar
🇹🇷 çok sayıda öldürmek
🇰🇷 대량으로 제거하다
🇸🇦 إبادة
🇨🇿 decimovat
🇸🇰 decimovať
🇨🇳 大规模毁灭
🇸🇮 decimirati
🇮🇸 draga
🇰🇿 жою
🇬🇪 გამოცემა
🇦🇿 decimə
🇲🇽 diezmar