devastate
verb (used with object)
to lay waste; render desolate.
have devastated
-
present perfectof devastate.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.
In Spokane County, Washington alone, three major wildfires have devastated the area, prompting the evacuation of almost 65,000 people and destroying more than 700 homes.
From Salon ● Aug. 3, 2026
Greece on Sunday faced multiple fronts and a growing damage toll with wildfires believed to have devastated swathes of forest and agricultural land, and the prime minister warning of "extremely difficult" days ahead.
From Barron's ● Aug. 2, 2026
Years of warfare have devastated most streets in Yarmouk, Syria.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2025
That would have "devastated" the company, he says.
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2025
“Only you could get into trouble in a town this small. You would have devastated their crime rate statistics for a decade, you know.”
From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer
