devastate
verb (used with object)
to lay waste; render desolate.
had devastated
-
past perfectof devastate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
She warned that the war had devastated the city's economy, slashing tourist numbers by around 95 percent and forcing hundreds of hotels to close.
From Barron's ● May 4, 2026
President Thomas Jefferson’s embargoes and trade restrictions, meant to punish Britain and France, had devastated New England’s port economies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 11, 2026
Worried Palisades residents lined up at the foot of Chautauqua Boulevard on Friday afternoon waiting for their first look at their homes since the fire had devastated their neighborhood.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 10, 2025
She said the discovery had "devastated this town".
From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2024
They gave evidence how eruptions thousands and hundreds of years ago had devastated the area.
From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone
