devastate
verb (used with object)
to lay waste; render desolate.
has devastated
-
present perfectof devastate (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
He said they are also inviting OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman and his leadership team to Tumbler Ridge to witness how the shooting has devastated the town.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 29, 2026
His sudden death has devastated his family and fellow car enthusiasts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2026
The grinding four-year war has devastated Ukraine, which even before the fighting was one of the poorest countries in Europe.
From Barron's ● Feb. 24, 2026
But the 49-year-old has faced intense criticism from farmers over his failure to contain the foot-and-mouth disease, which has devastated South Africa's livestock industry.
From BBC ● Feb. 16, 2026
“Do you know how much this has devastated my daughter?”
From "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper
