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debacle

[ dee-bah-kuhl, dey-, duh-, -bak-uhl ]
/ diˈbɑ kəl, deÉȘ-, də-, -ˈbĂŠk əl /
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noun
a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall or rout: The revolution ended in a debacle.
a complete collapse or failure.
a breaking up of ice in a river.Compare embacle.
a violent rush of waters or ice.
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Origin of debacle

1795–1805; <French dĂ©bĂącle, derivative of dĂ©bĂącler to unbar, clear, equivalent to dĂ©-dis-1 + bĂącler to bar â‰Ș Latin baculum stick, rod
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use debacle in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for debacle

debacle
/ (deÉȘˈbɑːkəl, dÉȘ-) /

noun
a sudden disastrous collapse or defeat, esp one involving a disorderly retreat; rout
the breaking up of ice in a river during spring or summer, often causing flooding
a violent rush of water carrying along debris

Word Origin for debacle

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