debacle

[dey-, -bak-uhl, duh-, dee-bah-kuhl]

noun

1. a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall or rout.

   The revolution ended in a debacle.

2. a complete collapse or failure.

   Synonyms: calamity, catastrophe, fiasco, ruin, disaster

3. a breaking up of ice in a river.

4. a violent rush of waters or ice.

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

3. a violent rush of water carrying along debris

Word History and Origins

Origin of debacle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of debacle¹

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

Example Sentences

In my French dining debacle, that’s what ordering that second bottle achieved.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

This one, however, might be the most painful debacle yet.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Plus: A Financial Flashback to 20 years ago, the Refco commodities debacle.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

And just like with that debacle, the administration is relying on bogus legal theories, manipulation of evidence and lies to justify their actions.

Read more on Salon

But the record of 85-year-old Mutharika has its own blemishes, from corruption allegations to the debacle that ended his first presidency.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• beating 
• breakdown 
• collapse 
• crash 
• defeat 
• devastation 
• disaster 
• downfall 
• drubbing 
• failure 
• fiasco 
• reversal 
• rout 
• wreck