devastate

[dev-uh-steyt]

verb (used with object)

devastated, devastating 

1. to lay waste; render desolate.

   The invaders devastated the city.

   Synonyms: level, ruin, raze, despoil, sack, destroy
   Antonyms: develop, erect, create

2. to overwhelm, as with grief or dismay: Those rumors appeared to have devastated her.

   We are devastated by this news and deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of our friend.

   Those rumors appeared to have devastated her.

devastate

/ ˈdɛvəˌsteɪt /

verb

1. to lay waste or make desolate; ravage; destroy

2. to confound or overwhelm, as with grief or shock

Other Word Forms

• devastator noun
• devastation noun
• devastative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of devastate¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin dēvastātus “laid waste” (past participle of dēvastāre ), equivalent to dē- + vast(āre) “to lay waste” (akin to vastus “empty”) + -ātus; de-, waste ( def. ), -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of devastate¹

C17: from Latin dēvastāre, from _de- + vastāre to ravage; related to vastus waste, empty

Synonym Study

See ravage.

Example Sentences

In January, crews struggled to contain a devastating firestorm that decimated portions of Altadena and the Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

"It had the most devastating effect on me," she later said.

From BBC

The grandfather's wife told the Sydney Morning Herald that her husband is "devastated" and has "owned the mistake".

From BBC

In the Australian Open final, French Open final and Wimbledon semi-finals, an erratic level has led to devastating defeats.

From BBC

As usual, the government did not say whether any military targets were hit, but the impact for civilians is often devastating.

From BBC

Related Words

• ravage 
• raze 
• ruin 
• wreck