devastating
|dev-a-stat-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈdɛvəˌsteɪtɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈdɛvəsteɪtɪŋ/
(devastate)
complete destruction
Etymology
'devastate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'devastare,' where 'de-' meant 'completely' and 'vastare' meant 'to lay waste.'
'devastare' transformed into the French word 'dévaster,' and eventually became the modern English word 'devastate' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'to lay waste completely,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'causing severe shock or distress.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
causing severe shock, distress, or grief.
The hurricane had a devastating impact on the coastal town.
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Adjective 2
extremely impressive or effective.
She delivered a devastating performance in the play.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41