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.
At the end of the criminal case, Cohen told reporters that Robicheaux’s life had been devastated by the situation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
He has also said they are inviting Altman and his leadership team to Tumbler Ridge to witness how the shooting has devastated the town.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
A former local councillor, he said he now intended to fly back to the UK to raise money for the devastated village before returning with essentials and set up solar powered lighting.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
When her bandages are unwrapped, she’s devastated to learn that her face is still symmetrical, with a thin nose, unblemished skin, and full lips.
From Slate ● Sep. 2, 2026
This gave the girls some measure of comfort, but when Kathy dropped them off, leaving them all in the office of the Conley principal, she was devastated.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
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.
