debacle

[ dee-bah-kuhl, dey-, duh-, -bak-uhl ]
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noun
  1. a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall or rout: The revolution ended in a debacle.

  2. a complete collapse or failure.

  1. a breaking up of ice in a river.: Compare embacle.

  2. a violent rush of waters or ice.

Origin of debacle

1
1795–1805; <French débâcle, derivative of débâcler to unbar, clear, equivalent to dé-dis-1 + bâcler to bar ≪ Latin baculum stick, rod

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British Dictionary definitions for debacle

debacle

/ (deɪˈbɑːkəl, dɪ-) /


noun
  1. a sudden disastrous collapse or defeat, esp one involving a disorderly retreat; rout

  2. the breaking up of ice in a river during spring or summer, often causing flooding

  1. a violent rush of water carrying along debris

Origin of debacle

1
C19: from French débâcle, from Old French desbacler to unbolt, ultimately from Latin baculum rod, staff

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