wreak havoc

[ reek hav-uhk ]

idiom

1. to cause considerable confusion, disorder, or damage:

   Solar flares can wreak havoc with satellites and other expensive electronics on the ground.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wreak havoc¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Idioms and Phrases

see play havoc .

Example Sentences

The Fox miniseries 24: Live Another Day saw a massive drone wreak havoc on London.

From The Daily Beast

They eat more than 500 kinds of plants and could wreak havoc if released into the North American environment.

From The Daily Beast

Watch the green-clad moustachioed menace wreak havoc in Mario Kart 8, blowing up Waluigi and then giving a “death stare.”

From The Daily Beast

Daniel Gross on how the shutdown could wreak havoc on a key part of the U.S. economy.

From The Daily Beast

This summer's punishing heat wave could wreak havoc on grocery bills.

From The Daily Beast