devastate

/ˈdevəsteɪt/ (American)

Origin

From Latin devastatus, past participle of devastare: de- (completely) + vastare (to lay waste)

Meanings

1. To destroy completely or severely damage

   • The tornado devastated the small coastal town.
   • The news of his death devastated his family.

2. To cause severe emotional distress or shock

   • She was devastated when her boyfriend broke up with her.
   • The loss of his job devastated him financially and emotionally.

Word Forms

• Noun: devastation
• Adjective: devastating, devastated
• Adverb: devastatingly

Synonyms

• destroy
• ravage
• ruin
• demolish
• shatter
• wreck

Memory Tricks

1. Break it down: "de" (completely) + "vast" (huge) + "ate" = to completely consume/destroy something to a vast extent

2. Think of "VAST destruction" - devastate causes VAST damage

3. Remember the sentence: "The DEVil ATE everything, leaving total devastation."

Related Expressions

• devastatingly beautiful - extremely attractive
• devastating effect - powerful negative impact
• devastating blow - a severely damaging setback