devastation
|dev-a-sta-tion|
B2
/ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən/
widespread destruction
Etymology
Etymology Information
'devastation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'devastatio', where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'vastare' meant 'to lay waste'.
Historical Evolution
'devastatio' transformed into the Old French word 'devastacion', and eventually became the modern English word 'devastation'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to lay waste or destroy', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of devastating; destruction or ruin on a large scale.
The hurricane left a trail of devastation in its wake.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45