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Ravage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ravage

[ˈrævɪdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

destructive behavior

To cause severe and extensive damage or destruction.

Synonyms

destroy, devastate, ruin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ravage

Use 'ravage' to describe severe and extensive damage, often caused by natural disasters or war.

  • The hurricane ravaged the coastal town, leaving thousands homeless.
  • Years of civil war ravaged the country, leaving its infrastructure in ruins.
devastate

Use 'devastate' to describe overwhelming shock or grief, or to describe severe damage, often with an emotional impact.

  • The sudden death of his wife utterly devastated him.
  • The earthquake devastated the city, causing widespread destruction.
destroy

Use 'destroy' in general situations where something is completely ruined or made unusable.

  • The fire destroyed the entire building.
  • The company was destroyed by the financial crisis.
ruin

Use 'ruin' for situations where something is damaged to the point where it loses its value, quality, or function, often with a focus on gradual or less violent damage. Can also have a negative connotation when referring to reputation or plans.

  • The heavy rains ruined our picnic plans.
  • He ruined his career with a series of bad decisions.

Examples of usage

  • The hurricane ravaged the coastal town, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
  • The wildfires ravaged the forest, consuming everything in their path.
Context #2 | Noun

destructive effect

Destruction caused by violent action or natural forces.

Synonyms

damage, destruction, ruin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ravage

This word is used when referring to severe and extensive damage, often caused by violent actions, natural disasters, or war. It has intense connotations and illustrates complete devastation.

  • The hurricane ravaged the coastal towns, leaving nothing but debris.
  • War has ravaged the once-prosperous country.
destruction

This word indicates the act of destroying something, reducing it to a state of ruin. It is typically more severe than 'damage' and implies total annihilation.

  • The tornado left a path of destruction in its wake.
  • The fire caused the destruction of several historic buildings.
damage

Use this term in general situations where harm or injury has occurred to an object, person, or place. It can vary in severity and is not as intense as 'ravage' or 'destruction'.

  • The storm caused significant damage to the roof.
  • Her car was damaged in the accident.
ruin

This term should be used when referring to the state of something that has been severely damaged or destroyed to the point of being beyond repair. It often implies a detriment to the value, function, or appearance.

  • Years of neglect have left the ancient castle in ruins.
  • The economic crisis ruined many small businesses.

Examples of usage

  • The ravages of war are evident in the ruins of the city.
  • The ravage of the earthquake left many homeless and injured.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'ravage'

The word 'ravage' originated from the Latin word 'rapere', meaning 'to seize or carry off by force'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'to devastate or destroy'. The use of 'ravage' in English dates back to the 14th century, where it was used to describe the destructive effects of war and natural disasters.

See also: ravaging.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,739, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.