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.
"We are devastated," Cecilio said, echoing the sentiment of the dozens of families affected by one of Europe's deadliest train disasters this century.
From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2026
The PRI’s mismanagement of the 1985 earthquake that devastated Mexico City also angered many Mexicans.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026
“The whole community is devastated since then,” Fleurijean said.
From Slate ● Oct. 26, 2026
Bosses admit staff feel "devastated" that patient confidence could be dented but insist the hospital performs better than many others on patient safety, including survival rates.
From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2026
He was overjoyed that he’d pulled himself out of the abyss in which he’d found himself in the tournament’s first half, but devastated that he hadn’t won first prize.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
