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

One victim, Simon, told the BBC he was left "absolutely devastated" after his van was taken from the driveway of his Hampshire home in May 2023.

Read more on BBC

In Perth, Ben Stokes' team unleashed their heavy artillery to devastating and exhilarating effect.

Read more on BBC

"Fraud, bribery and corruption have a devastating impact on lives and livelihoods, and we are committed to tackling the most complex economic crimes to protect the public and our economy."

Read more on BBC

A devastating landslide also hit three villages in the Central Java district of Cilacap on Thursday last week.

Read more on Barron's

It’s a moment of breathtaking poise and mournful feeling, and it prepares us for what’s to come, when Ms. Huston delivers a monologue about a long-lost love with quiet, devastating force.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ravage 
• raze 
• ruin 
• wreck