Devastative: meaning, definitions and examples

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devastative

[ˈdɛvəˌsteɪtɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a destructive manner

Causing great damage or destruction. Having a devastating effect or impact.

Synonyms

destructive, disastrous, ruinous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
devastative	This word is often used to describe something that causes severe and widespread destruction or harm. The hurricane had a devastative effect on the coastal town
destructive	Pick this word when talking about something that causes damage or destruction, typically in a physical sense. The earthquake was extremely destructive, leveling buildings and infrastructure
ruinous	Select this word to describe something that causes ruin or extreme financial loss, often with long-term negative effects. It has a somewhat negative connotation. The company faced ruinous losses after the market crash His gambling addiction proved to be ruinous for his family's finances
disastrous	This word is appropriate for situations that result in great harm, damage, or loss, not just physically but also in terms of plans or efforts gone wrong. Their attempt to build a business together turned out to be disastrous The flood had disastrous consequences for the entire region

Examples of usage

The hurricane had a devastative effect on the town.
The devastative fire destroyed acres of forest.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in a severe or overwhelming manner

Overwhelmingly destructive or damaging. Extremely severe.

Synonyms

extreme, overwhelming, severe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
devastative	Used to describe something that causes severe destruction or damage. Often used in the context of natural disasters, wars, or other catastrophic events. The hurricane had a devastative impact on the coastal towns The war left a devastative mark on the country
overwhelming	Indicates something so powerful or intense that it is difficult to handle or manage. Can be used for physical, emotional, or situational contexts. The support from the community was overwhelming He felt an overwhelming sense of relief
severe	Used to describe something very intense or serious, often in a negative way. Commonly applied to weather, health conditions, or disciplinary actions. The patient was in severe pain The region is expecting severe weather this weekend
extreme	Describes something at the highest, most intense, or furthest degree. It can be used in various contexts such as weather, behavior, or situations. The extreme heat made it difficult to work outside He took extreme measures to solve the problem

Examples of usage

The devastative consequences of the war were felt for generations.
The devastative power of the earthquake was beyond imagination.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'devastare', meaning 'to lay waste' or 'to destroy'.
The roots of 'devastate' are derived from 'de-' meaning 'down, away' and 'vastare', which means 'to make empty or waste'.
It has been used in the English language since the early 17th century.

Psychology

Experiencing something that is described as devastative can lead to feelings of grief and loss.
Psychological trauma often results from devastative events, impacting an individual's mental health.
People may exhibit symptoms of PTSD after experiencing events labeled as devastative.

Natural Disasters

Hurricanes and earthquakes are often described as devastative due to their destructive impact on communities.
The aftermath of a devastative event can lead to long-term changes in the affected environment and population.
Rebuilding efforts after devastative disasters can take years and often require significant resources.

Literature

Devastative scenes in literature often highlight human suffering and resilience in the face of destruction.
Many authors use devastative imagery to evoke strong emotional responses from readers.
Classic works frequently use devastation to symbolize larger themes of loss and redemption.

Pop Culture

Movies depicting apocalyptic scenarios often highlight devastative moments that change characters' lives dramatically.
Songs about heartbreak frequently use the term to describe emotional turmoil and destruction.
Video games featuring post-apocalyptic themes often showcase the aftermath of devastative events.

Translations

Translations of the word "devastative" in other languages:

🇵🇹 devastador

🇮🇳 विनाशकारी

🇩🇪 verheerend

🇮🇩 menghancurkan

🇺🇦 спустошливий

🇵🇱 dewastujący

🇯🇵 壊滅的な

🇫🇷 dévastateur

🇪🇸 devastador

🇹🇷 yıkıcı

🇰🇷 파괴적인

🇸🇦 مدمر

🇨🇿 ničivý

🇸🇰 ničivý

🇨🇳 毁灭性的

🇸🇮 uničujoč

🇮🇸 eyðileggjandi

🇰🇿 құртатын

🇬🇪 გამანადგურებელი

🇦🇿 dağıdıcı

🇲🇽 devastador