Devastate: meaning, definitions and examples

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devastate

[ˈdevəˌsteɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a natural disaster

To devastate means to destroy or ruin something completely. When a natural disaster like a hurricane or earthquake hits an area, it can devastate homes, buildings, and landscapes.

Synonyms

destroy, ruin, wreck.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
devastate	Typically used to describe situations causing extreme emotional distress or extensive physical damage. Often found in contexts involving natural disasters, wars, or personal loss. The earthquake devastated the small town, leaving thousands homeless. She was devastated by the news of her friend's sudden death.
destroy	Used to indicate complete and total destruction, both physical and abstract. The range is broad and can apply to objects, structures, relationships, and opportunities. The fire destroyed the entire building. His careless words destroyed their long-standing friendship.
ruin	Often implies damaging something to the point where it is no longer functional or valued. Can be used for both tangible and intangible things, often with a slightly less severe connotation than 'destroy'. The unexpected rain ruined the outdoor wedding plans. Years of mismanagement ruined the once-thriving business.
wreck	Usually implies significant damage but not necessarily total destruction, often used for vehicles, ships, or situations that have been badly harmed. It has a somewhat informal tone and can also describe situations with a chaotic outcome. The storm wrecked the fishing boats anchored at the port. He wrecked his car in the accident.

Examples of usage

The hurricane devastated the coastal town, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
The earthquake devastated the entire region, causing widespread devastation and loss.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

emotionally

To devastate can also refer to causing severe emotional pain or shock. It implies a deep and lasting impact on a person's emotional well-being.

Synonyms

crush, overwhelm, shatter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
devastate	This word is often used to describe a situation or event that causes extreme destruction or emotional pain. It can be used in both physical and emotional contexts. The earthquake devastated the city The news of her passing devastated him
crush	Typically employed to depict the act of physically applying force to compress or squash something. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the complete defeat of someone or something, often causing disappointment or humiliation. He used a hammer to crush the rocks The team was crushed by their opponents in the final match
shatter	Used to describe breaking something into many pieces, often involving glass or fragile materials. It also applies in emotional contexts where someone's hopes or beliefs are completely destroyed. The window shattered when the ball hit it His dreams were shattered when he didn’t get the job
overwhelm	Mainly refers to a situation where someone is completely overcome by a feeling, task, or responsibility. The word indicates being overpowered emotionally or mentally. She was overwhelmed by the workload The beauty of the landscape overwhelmed him

Examples of usage

The news of her father's death devastated her.
The betrayal by her best friend devastated her emotionally.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'devastare', which combines 'de-' (down) and 'vastare' (to make empty).
This root reflects the meaning of making a place empty or barren after destruction.
The term entered the English language in the late 15th century, evolving from a focus on land destruction to more general use.

Historical Events

Natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes have devastated countless communities, leading to significant loss and long-term recovery efforts.
In 1945, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II left cities completely devastated, marking a turn in warfare technology.
The Great Depression from the late 1920s devastated economies worldwide, leading to widespread poverty and changes in government policies.

Pop Culture

The term is commonly used in movies and books to describe dramatic transformations, often highlighting characters facing loss or destruction.
Songs and albums have been titled 'Devastation', often capturing themes of heartbreak, loss, and deep emotion.
In video games, devastation is a recurrent theme where characters must navigate post-apocalyptic landscapes.

Psychology

Experiencing devastation can lead to severe emotional reactions, including grief, depression, and trauma that require psychological support.
The feeling of devastation can be triggered by traumatic life events, influencing mental health and social relationships.
Understanding the psychological impact of devastating events is crucial for recovery and resilience building.

Literature

Many works of literature explore themes of devastation, illustrating how characters cope with loss and destruction.
Poets often use imagery of devastation to convey deep emotional suffering and the aftermath of conflict.
Classic novels like 'The Grapes of Wrath' depict the devastation caused by the Great Depression and its effects on families and communities.

Translations

Translations of the word "devastate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 devastar

🇮🇳 विनाश करना

🇩🇪 verwüsten

🇮🇩 menghancurkan

🇺🇦 спустошувати

🇵🇱 dewastować

🇯🇵 荒廃させる (こうはいさせる)

🇫🇷 dévaster

🇪🇸 devastar

🇹🇷 harap etmek

🇰🇷 황폐하게 하다

🇸🇦 يدمر

🇨🇿 zpustošit

🇸🇰 spustošiť

🇨🇳 摧毁 (cuīhuǐ)

🇸🇮 opustošiti

🇮🇸 eyðileggja

🇰🇿 қирату

🇬🇪 განადგურება

🇦🇿 məhv etmək

🇲🇽 devastar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,325, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29322 bacillary
29323 censuring
29324 dote
29325 devastate
29326 zodiacal
29327 chard
29328 mulled
...