Decimated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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decimated
[ˈdɛsɪmeɪtɪd ]
Definition
destruction, reduction
To decimate something means to destroy or remove a large portion of it, often leading to significant loss or damage. Originally, the term referred to a Roman military punishment where one in ten soldiers was killed as a form of discipline. In modern usage, it signifies a dramatic reduction in strength, number, or effectiveness. For instance, a disease may decimate a population, or a company might decimate its workforce during layoffs.
Synonyms
annihilate, destroy, devastate, obliterate, ravage.
Examples of usage
- The plague decimated the population of Europe in the 14th century.
- The wildfire decimated thousands of acres of forest land.
- The economy was decimated by the recession.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- In ancient Rome, the act of decimation was often used to maintain discipline in the ranks, demonstrating the severity of military law.
- During the Black Death in the 14th century, populations were decimated as large numbers fell victim to the plague, changing the social and economic landscape of Europe.
- In modern warfare, the term is used metaphorically to describe massive casualties in battles or campaigns.
Cultural References
- The concept of decimation has appeared in various films and books, often as a dramatic way to depict loss and destruction, such as in war-themed narratives.
- The phrase 'decimated cities' is frequently used in news reports following natural disasters or conflicts to emphasize devastation.
- In video games, characters or enemies can be described as decimated to illustrate their defeat or the impact of player actions.
Psychology
- Feeling decimated can relate to human experiences of loss or failure, leading to significant emotional or psychological effects on individuals.
- Studies in resilience show that those who experience decimating events can often emerge stronger, learning to cope and adapt.
- The concept of 'decimation' metaphorically applies to mental health when discussing feelings of being overwhelmed or defeated by life’s challenges.
Science
- In ecology, populations of species can be decimated due to environmental changes, illustrating the fragility of ecosystems.
- The decimation of bee populations has raised concerns among scientists regarding biodiversity and food security.
- In genetics, the loss of genetic diversity can be described as decimation of species, impacting evolution and survival.
Origin of 'decimated'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'decimate' comes from the Latin word 'decimare', which means 'to take a tenth'.
- Originally, it referred to a Roman military practice where one in every ten soldiers was killed as a punishment for the entire unit.
- Over time, the meaning has shifted to refer to any significant destruction or reduction, not just limited to one-tenth.
The term 'decimate' derives from the Latin word 'decimare', which means 'to take a tenth'. This verb is formed from 'decimus', meaning 'tenth'. In ancient Rome, decimatio was a form of military discipline whereby a unit was punished by the killing of one in every ten soldiers. While this practice served to instill discipline among troops, the word has evolved in contemporary language to refer to the act of causing severe destruction or harm to something, especially in a way that leads to significant loss. As English expanded in its vocabulary, 'decimate' found broader applications beyond the military context, being employed to describe losses in various fields such as ecology, economics, and statistics.