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.
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
The calamities in the past two years, including a fatal magnitude 7.1 earthquake in 2024, have devastated the county's tourism industry, Ms Yang said.
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2025
That would have "devastated" the company, he says.
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2025
Those moves, combined with the turmoil and departures, have devastated morale, according to current and former EIA employees.
From Salon ● May 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
