devastation

[dev-uh-stey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of devastating; devastating; destruction.

2. devastated state; desolation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of devastation¹

1425–75; late Middle English < Late Latin dēvastātiōn- (stem of dēvastātiō ), equivalent to Latin dēvastāt ( us ) ( devastate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

“It’s clear that Halstenberg’s intent was sheer destruction and devastation,” said Jason Anderson, San Bernardino County district attorney, in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

The charges concern accusations that Kabila has been supporting the M23, a rebel group who have wreaked devastation across the country's eastern region.

From BBC

She wanted to witness the devastation that wiped out 10,700 homes, including the small white cottage where she grew up, and turned the dense forest of her youth into a bleak landscape.

From Los Angeles Times

He will also talk about rebuilding, in a nod to Labour Prime Minister Clement Attlee's postwar government's programme of new towns, which fixed the devastation wreaked by bombs as well as poverty.

From BBC

Israel's widening assault has been part of its self-declared plan to try to pressure Hamas, but it has brought further devastation for civilians.

From BBC

Related Words

• confusion 
• desolation 
• havoc 
• ravages www.thesaurus.com
• ruin