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View synonyms for

devastate

[dev-uh-steyt]

verb (used with object)

devastated, devastating 
  1. to lay waste; render desolate.

    The invaders devastated the city.

    Synonyms: , , , , ,
    Antonyms: , ,
  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

/ ˈɛəˌٱɪ /

verb

  1. to lay waste or make desolate; ravage; destroy

  2. to confound or overwhelm, as with grief or shock

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • devastative adjective
  • devastator noun
  • ˈ𱹲ˌٲٴǰ noun
  • ˌ𱹲ˈٲپDz noun
  • ˈ𱹲ˌٲپ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of devastate1

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin ŧٳܲ “laid waste” (past participle of ŧ ), equivalent to ŧ- + () “to lay waste” (akin to vastus “empty”) + -ٳܲ; de-, waste ( def. ), -ate 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of devastate1

C17: from Latin ŧ, from de- + to ravage; related to vastus waste, empty
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Synonym Study

See ravage.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But on this journey, the scene only highlights the devastating contrast between peace and war.

From

He was devastated and worried that he would have to curtail plans of a dream wedding and honeymoon with fiancée Lara Russell.

From

The three positions that had changed hands were each just a few foxholes in the ground –⁠ dots on a devastated landscape of craters and shredded trees.

From

I wish you, and all of us afflicted with this condition, the willingness and determination to move forward and to use the power of sport and exercise to combat this devastating disease.

From

He said he has been following news and rumors of the raids online, and that the fear generated by them and the protests in response have been devastating for his company and other small businesses.

From

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