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Devastation: meaning, definitions and examples

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devastation

 

[ ˌdevəˈsteɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

after natural disaster

Devastation refers to the severe and widespread damage or destruction caused by a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or flood. It often results in the loss of homes, livelihoods, and infrastructure, leaving communities in a state of despair and chaos.

Synonyms

desolation, destruction, ruin

Examples of usage

  • The devastation caused by the hurricane left the coastal town in ruins.
  • After the earthquake, the city was in a state of devastation, with buildings collapsed and people in need of help.
  • The flood brought devastation to the farmlands, destroying crops and leaving farmers without income.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional aftermath

Devastation can also refer to the emotional impact of a traumatic event, such as the loss of a loved one or a personal failure. It describes the feeling of overwhelming grief, sorrow, and despair that can consume a person in such situations.

Synonyms

anguish, despair, heartbreak

Examples of usage

  • She was in a state of devastation after the sudden death of her husband.
  • The news of the failed project brought devastation to the team members, who had worked hard on it.
  • The betrayal by her closest friend left her in a state of emotional devastation.

Translations

Translations of the word "devastation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 devastação

🇮🇳 विनाश

🇩🇪 Verwüstung

🇮🇩 kehancuran

🇺🇦 спустошення

🇵🇱 dewastacja

🇯🇵 壊滅

🇫🇷 dévastation

🇪🇸 devastación

🇹🇷 yıkım

🇰🇷 황폐화

🇸🇦 دمار

🇨🇿 zpustošení

🇸🇰 skaza

🇨🇳 毁灭

🇸🇮 razdejanje

🇮🇸 eyðilegging

🇰🇿 қирату

🇬🇪 განადგურება

🇦🇿 viranlıq

🇲🇽 devastación

Etymology

The word 'devastation' originated in the early 17th century from the Latin word 'devastatio', which means 'laying waste'. It has been used to describe the aftermath of wars, natural disasters, and personal tragedies, reflecting the profound impact of loss and destruction on individuals and communities.

See also: devastated, devastating, devastatingly, devastative, devastator.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,364, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.