Devastation
ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsExtensive destruction or ruin; the state of being ruined.
ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən
Widespread destruction or ruin
The hurricane caused widespread devastation along the coast.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really bad storm or a big accident that messes everything up. Devastation is when a place or a situation is totally ruined or destroyed, leaving nothing good behind.
👶 For kids: When everything is broken or ruined and there's nothing good left.
More Examples
The fire resulted in the complete devastation of the forest.
The economic downturn brought devastation to many businesses.
How It's Used
"The earthquake caused widespread devastation across the region."
"The bombing raids led to the devastation of the city."
"The news of his loss brought devastation to his family."
Great sorrow, anguish, or emotional pain; the state of being overcome by such emotions.
ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən
Great sorrow or distress
The news of her illness filled him with devastation.
💡 Simply: Imagine feeling really, really sad, like your heart is breaking. Devastation is when you're overcome by sadness, grief, or emotional pain because something awful has happened.
👶 For kids: Feeling super, super sad like your heart is broken.
More Examples
The loss of their home brought them a profound sense of devastation.
He felt a deep devastation after the betrayal.
How It's Used
"The news of her death brought utter devastation to her family."
"The experience left her in a state of emotional devastation."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
face devastation
To be confronted with widespread destruction or ruin.
"The city will face devastation if the dam breaks."
a scene of devastation
A place that has been destroyed or ruined.
"The earthquake left a scene of devastation in its wake."
From Latin *devastatio* ('laying waste'), from *devastare* ('to lay waste'), from *de-* ('completely') + *vastare* ('to lay waste').
Used since the late 16th century, originally referring to the act of laying waste or destroying.
Memory tip
Think of a vast wasteland left after something disastrous.
Word Origin
"to lay waste, to destroy"