Ravaged: meaning, definitions and examples

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ravaged

 

[ ˈrævɪdʒd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

destruction, damage

To be ravaged means to be severely damaged or destroyed, often in a violent or catastrophic manner. This term is frequently used to describe the impact of natural disasters, wars, or diseases. When something is ravaged, it usually refers to significant and often irreversible harm. The word can also evoke the idea of suffering caused by such devastation.

Synonyms

destroyed, devastated, ruined, wreaked havoc

Examples of usage

  • The town was ravaged by the hurricane.
  • The forests were ravaged by wildfires.
  • The country was ravaged by years of conflict.

Translations

Translations of the word "ravaged" in other languages:

🇵🇹 devastado

🇮🇳 नष्ट

🇩🇪 verwüstet

🇮🇩 hancur

🇺🇦 зруйнований

🇵🇱 zniszczony

🇯🇵 荒廃した

🇫🇷 ravagé

🇪🇸 devastado

🇹🇷 tahrip olmuş

🇰🇷 황폐한

🇸🇦 مدمر

🇨🇿 zdevastovaný

🇸🇰 zničený

🇨🇳 被破坏的

🇸🇮 opustošen

🇮🇸 eyðilagður

🇰🇿 жойылған

🇬🇪 განადგურებული

🇦🇿 məhv edilmiş

🇲🇽 devastado

Word origin

The word 'ravaged' originates from the Old French word 'ravager', which means to plunder or to ravage. This, in turn, comes from the Latin 'rapinare', meaning to seize or to carry off. The term has been used in the English language since the late 14th century, evolving in its usage over the centuries. Its connotation has expanded to denote not only physical destruction but also emotional and spiritual devastation. Today, it is often associated with both natural disasters that leave large areas uninhabitable and human-made destruction resulting from war or other forms of violence. The usage of the word has been influenced by literature and media, where it is frequently employed to describe the effects of tragic events on communities and individuals.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,546, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.