devastate

[dev-uh-steyt]

verb (used with object)

devastated, devastating 

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

Other Word Forms

• devastative adjective
• devastator noun
• devastation 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

Jon Brown, whose family lived at the devastated Pacific Palisades Bowl mobile home park, had his own view.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Sea disappeared after the Kakhovka dam was destroyed in June 2023, leading to devastating floods that ruined homes and farmland.

Read more on BBC

On Wednesday evening, the taoiseach apologised to party ministers, TDs and senators and said he was "devastated" by Gavin's withdrawal from the race.

Read more on BBC

In her years living in the Corona area, she said she’d never heard of this kind of theft and was devastated someone took her decoration.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Campaigners want to ban the sale of catapults to under 18s, as young people are inflicting wildlife, animals and people with devastating injuries.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• ravage 
• raze 
• ruin 
• wreck