Devastating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
devastating
[หdษvษหsteษชtษชล ]
Definition
in describing a situation or event
Causing great damage or destruction; overwhelming; highly destructive.
Synonyms
catastrophic, destructive, devastative, disastrous, ruinous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| devastating |
Usually used to describe events or actions that cause great emotional pain or have severe, wide-reaching negative consequences.
|
| destructive |
Refers to things that cause harm, damage, or ruin, often physically, but can also apply to actions or habits.
|
| ruinous |
Used when something causes severe damage or ruin, often with a long-lasting effect, and often carries a negative connotation.
|
| disastrous |
Describes events or outcomes that result in serious harm, damage, or failure, often with a focus on the resulting negative effects.
|
| catastrophic |
Commonly used for events that cause massive and often sudden damage or destruction, often on a large scale.
|
Examples of usage
- The devastating impact of the hurricane left the town in ruins.
- The devastating effects of the war were felt for generations.
- The devastating news of the accident shocked everyone.
- The devastating earthquake destroyed entire villages.
- The devastating loss of his job left him feeling hopeless.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Emotional Impact
- The emotional effects of devastating events, like natural disasters, can last for many years, influencing mental health.
- People often experience a range of emotions such as shock, sadness, and anger following a devastating event.
Pop Culture
- Movies and books often depict devastating scenarios, such as loss or tragedy, to create a strong emotional connection with the audience.
- In music, songs about devastating heartbreak can resonate deeply, helping listeners process their own feelings.
Literature
- Novelists use devastating moments to build up tension or highlight character development, making stories more impactful.
- Classic literature often explores themes of devastation caused by war, loss, or nature, prompting readers to reflect on human experiences.
Science
- Natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes can have devastating effects on ecosystems, altering landscapes and impacting wildlife.
- Research shows that communities recovering from devastating events often develop stronger social bonds as they rebuild together.
Origin of 'devastating'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'devastare', which means to lay waste or ravage.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Middle French word 'devaster', which also means to destroy.
The word 'devastating' originated from the Latin word 'devastatus', which means 'lay waste'. It was first used in the mid-17th century to describe something that causes great damage or destruction. Over time, the word has evolved to represent the overwhelming and highly destructive nature of certain situations or events.
See also: devastated, devastatingly, devastation, devastative, devastator.