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

Or the devastating Pasadena and Altadena wildfires that decimated historic libraries and cultural archives.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's been very upsetting for us all. We're absolutely devastated," said Mr Richardson.

From BBC

Israel's devastating military response has destroyed most of Gaza and killed more than 66,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians and including more than 18,000 children.

From BBC

"When these pipes get blocked, we can't simply switch off the sewage. It backs up and must come out somewhere, whether that's roads, rivers or even people's homes. The consequences can be devastating."

From BBC

"But we have to decisively address this Republican health care crisis that is devastating hard-working American taxpayers."

From BBC

Related Words

• ravage 
• raze 
• ruin 
• wreck