devastate

[ dev-uh-steyt ]

verb (used with object)

, dev·as·tat·ed, dev·as·tat·ing.

1. to lay waste; render desolate:

   The invaders devastated the city.

   Synonyms: level, ruin, raze, despoil, sack, destroy

   Antonyms: develop, erect, create

2. to overwhelm, as with grief or dismay: Those rumors appeared to have devastated her.

   We are devastated by this news and deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of our friend.

   Those rumors appeared to have devastated her.

devastate

/ ˈdɛvəˌsteɪt /

verb

1. to lay waste or make desolate; ravage; destroy
2. to confound or overwhelm, as with grief or shock

Derived Forms

• ˈdevasˌtator, noun
• ˌdevasˈtation, noun
• ˈdevasˌtative, adjective

Other Words From

• dev·as·ta·tive adjective
• dev·as·ta·tor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of devastate¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin dēvastātus “laid waste” (past participle of dēvastāre ), equivalent to dē- + vast(āre) “to lay waste” (akin to vastus “empty”) + -ātus; de-, waste ( def ), -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of devastate¹

C17: from Latin dēvastāre, from de- + vastāre to ravage; related to vastus waste, empty

Synonym Study

See ravage.

Example Sentences

This can be dangerous, as extreme rain events, such as those recently witnessed in Spain that resulted in a devastating death toll, are rising due to climate change.

From Science Daily

The effect on field workers can also be devastating.

From Los Angeles Times

Showing a humbleness which motivates others was illustrated off court when, in 2018, he led from the front to help his home island of Mallorca recover from devastating flash flooding.

From BBC

But the disease still had a devastating effect on her life.

From BBC

Hurricanes, or tropical cyclones, can be devastating natural disasters, leveling entire cities and claiming hundreds or thousands of lives.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• ravage
• raze
• ruin
• wreck