devestation
Devastation refers to widespread and severe destruction or damage to a place or object. It can also describe the state of extreme emotional shock, grief, or overwhelm felt by a person.
Examples
3 of 5The earthquake caused widespread devastation throughout the coastal region.
The massive earthquake resulted in extensive destruction across the seaside area.
The humanitarian report highlighted the utter devastation of the city's infrastructure following the conflict.
The official report emphasized the complete ruin of the city's systems after the war.
He was in total devastation after his dog passed away suddenly.
He felt completely heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief when his dog died unexpectedly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'vast'. Devastation is when a 'vast' area is ruined or turned into 'waste'.
Quick Quiz
The flood waters receded, revealing the complete _______ of the valley's farmland.
Correct!
The correct answer is: devastation
Examples
The earthquake caused widespread devastation throughout the coastal region.
everydayThe massive earthquake resulted in extensive destruction across the seaside area.
The humanitarian report highlighted the utter devastation of the city's infrastructure following the conflict.
formalThe official report emphasized the complete ruin of the city's systems after the war.
He was in total devastation after his dog passed away suddenly.
informalHe felt completely heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief when his dog died unexpectedly.
Scholars argue that the environmental devastation of the 19th century was a precursor to modern climate issues.
academicAcademic researchers suggest that the large-scale ecological damage in the 1800s led to today's climate problems.
The sudden bankruptcy of the primary supplier caused financial devastation for the small firm.
businessThe unexpected collapse of the main supplier led to a total financial ruin for the minor company.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
leave a trail of devastation
to cause a continuous path of destruction as something moves through an area
a scene of devastation
a place where everything has been destroyed or ruined
point of devastation
the specific moment or location where ruin occurs
Often Confused With
Desolation emphasizes emptiness, loneliness, and lack of life, whereas devastation emphasizes the active act of destruction.
Detestation means intense hatred or loathing toward someone or something, unrelated to physical ruin.
Usage Notes
Use 'devastation' when you want to describe a level of damage that is near total or when describing profound grief. It is a much stronger word than 'damage' or 'unhappiness.'
Common Mistakes
Learners often misspell the word as 'devestation' (with an 'e'). It should always be spelled with an 'a' in the second syllable: 'devastation'.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'vast'. Devastation is when a 'vast' area is ruined or turned into 'waste'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'devastatio', from the verb 'devastare', where 'de-' acts as an intensifier and 'vastare' means to lay waste or make empty.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In modern English, this word is frequently used in news media to describe the impact of climate-related natural disasters or the consequences of war on civilian populations.
Quick Quiz
The flood waters receded, revealing the complete _______ of the valley's farmland.
Correct!
The correct answer is: devastation
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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