wreak havoc

[ reek hav-uhk ]

idiom

1. to cause considerable confusion, disorder, or damage:

   Solar flares can wreak havoc with satellites and other expensive electronics on the ground.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wreak havoc¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Idioms and Phrases

see play havoc .

Example Sentences

Reactionary politics wreak havoc on interpersonal connections.

From Salon

Trump is all but sure to wreak havoc on federal agencies central to understanding, and combatting, climate change.

From Salon

He will wreak havoc on the poor, the middle class, and employers.

From Salon

Instead of that, it began to wreak havoc across much of the region.

From BBC

Weather extremes can wreak havoc on construction projects, especially when they involve so much concrete, he added.

From Los Angeles Times