Devastate: meaning, definitions and examples

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devastate

 

[ ˈdevəˌsteɪt ]

Verb
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

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

Examples of usage

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

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

Etymology

The word 'devastate' originated from the Latin word 'devastare' which means 'lay waste'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. Over the years, its usage has evolved to encompass both physical and emotional destruction.

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.