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

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

From Salon

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

From BBC

This cannot go on any more, if there are Rangers fans still in the stands by the end of this debacle I will be surprised.

From BBC

Commenting on that debacle, Harris wrote that “the stakes were simply too high” to have left the reelection decision to Joe and Jill Biden personally.

From Salon

Unfortunately, some American leaders learned all the wrong lessons from that debacle.

From Salon

Related Words

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