debacle
|de-ba-cle|
C1
🇺🇸
/dɪˈbɑːkəl/
🇬🇧
/deɪˈbɑːkəl/
sudden failure
Etymology
Etymology Information
'debacle' originates from French, specifically the word 'débâcle,' where 'dé-' meant 'un-' and 'bâcler' meant 'to block.'
Historical Evolution
'débâcle' transformed into the English word 'debacle' in the 19th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'breaking up of ice in a river,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a sudden failure.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco.
The company's new product launch turned into a complete debacle.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35