Devastator: meaning, definitions and examples

💥
Add to dictionary

devastator

 

[ ˈdevəˌsteɪtər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

war machine

A devastator is a powerful military weapon or war machine designed to cause destruction and devastation on a large scale. It is often used in warfare to crush enemy forces and infrastructure.

Synonyms

annihilator, destroyer, exterminator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
devastator

Used to describe someone or something that causes extreme damage and emotional distress. It often has a dramatic and impactful connotation.

  • The wildfire spread rapidly, becoming a true devastator of the region
  • He was known as the devastator of dreams due to his harsh criticism
destroyer

Generally refers to someone or something that ruins, spoils, or causes extensive damage. This term is more versatile and can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

  • The earthquake was a destroyer of homes and lives
  • Her harsh words acted as a destroyer of friendships
annihilator

Used to describe something or someone that completely obliterates or eradicates. Often used in physical destruction but can also refer to absolute defeat in a competitive situation.

  • The new weapon was designed to be an annihilator, leaving no trace of its targets
  • In the championship, he emerged as an annihilator, leaving his competitors far behind
exterminator

Specifically used to describe someone or something that eliminates pests or unwanted small creatures. Frequently used in professional pest control contexts.

  • We had to call an exterminator to get rid of the rats in our basement
  • The farmer became an exterminator of bugs to protect his crops

Examples of usage

  • The enemy deployed a devastator to obliterate the city defenses.
  • The devastator unleashed its firepower, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Context #2 | Noun

person

In informal slang, a devastator can refer to a person who causes extreme emotional or psychological harm to others. This term is often used to describe someone who leaves a trail of emotional destruction in their relationships.

Synonyms

emotional wreck, heartbreaker, relationship destroyer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
devastator

Use this word to describe a person or thing that causes extreme destruction or damage.

  • The hurricane was a true devastator, leaving the town in ruins.
  • The news of his passing was a devastator for the entire community.
heartbreaker

Often refers to a person, usually attractive or charismatic, who causes others emotional pain, especially in romantic contexts.

  • He was known as a heartbreaker, leaving a trail of broken hearts behind him.
  • She didn't realize she was a heartbreaker until he confessed his feelings.
emotional wreck

This term is typically used to describe someone who is extremely distressed and unstable emotionally.

  • After the break-up, she was an emotional wreck and couldn't concentrate on anything.
  • He became an emotional wreck after losing his job.
relationship destroyer

This phrase is used to describe someone or something that causes the end of relationships, often implying negative actions or behavior.

  • His constant lying made him a relationship destroyer.
  • Addiction can be a relationship destroyer, tearing families apart.

Examples of usage

  • She was devastated by the actions of the emotional devastator in her life.
  • He earned the nickname 'heartbreak devastator' for his destructive impact on relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "devastator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 devastador

🇮🇳 विनाशक

🇩🇪 Verwüster

🇮🇩 penghancur

🇺🇦 спустошувач

🇵🇱 dewastator

🇯🇵 壊滅者 (かいめつしゃ)

🇫🇷 dévastateur

🇪🇸 devastador

🇹🇷 yıkıcı

🇰🇷 파괴자 (파괴자)

🇸🇦 مدمر

🇨🇿 ničitel

🇸🇰 devastátor

🇨🇳 毁灭者 (huǐmièzhě)

🇸🇮 opustoševalec

🇮🇸 eyðileggjandi

🇰🇿 қираушы

🇬🇪 გამანადგურებელი

🇦🇿 dəhşətli

🇲🇽 devastador

Etymology

The term 'devastator' originates from the Latin word 'devastare', meaning 'lay waste'. It first appeared in English in the 15th century, initially used to describe a person who causes destruction or ruin. Over time, the term evolved to encompass military weaponry designed for mass destruction. The concept of a devastator as a war machine gained prominence during the World Wars, with the development of powerful military technology.

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