devastated
Americanadjective
-
laid waste; made desolate.
After the earthquake there were concerns about asbestos in the rubble of many of the devastated houses.
-
overwhelmed or shocked, especially by profound loss, disappointment, humiliation, etc..
I’m grateful that no one I knew personally died in the hurricane, but my heart goes out to all those devastated families.
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of devastated
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Smart but emotionally inarticulate and a bit obtuse, Lou is devastated by what he’s done.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
James Noel, a Haitian poet and novelist who has known Orelien for 20 years, said he spoke with him at the height of the controversy and found him "devastated".
From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 2026
They also said "our beautiful babies, Leo, Ellis and Prudence, were loved beyond measure" and they were "devastated by the loss of Elisha, Leo, Ellis and Prudence".
From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026
We have spoken to families who say their lives have been devastated by road deaths where illegal plates were involved.
From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026
"Oh, don't be silly. You were so devastated by the last person who dumped you. I thought I'd spare you the further humiliation. This way you're all settled."
From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
