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.
“The whole community is devastated since then,” Fleurijean said.
From Slate ● Oct. 26, 2026
Tibet and Nepal were also recently devastated by massive floods and landslides less than two months ago, unleashed by a glacier collapse, which killed at least 1,400 people.
From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026
The explosions that devastated the reactor released enormous quantities of debris, leaving behind contamination that continues to pose serious health risks.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 23, 2026
Starlink could bring internet access to remote areas and provide authorities with an emergency backstop in case of natural disasters like the floods that devastated neighboring Nepal in August.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026
They want to stay friends; they feel smothered; it's always them and it's never you; and afterward, you're devastated and they're relieved; it's over for them and just starting for you.
From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green
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