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desolate

2 ENTRIES FOUND:

1des·o·late

adj \ˈde-sə-lət, ˈde-zə-\

Definition of DESOLATE

1
: devoid of inhabitants and visitors : deserted
2
: joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from a loved one <a desolate widow>
3
a : showing the effects of abandonment and neglect : dilapidated <a desolate old house> b : barren, lifeless <a desolate landscape> c : devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope : gloomy <desolate memories>
des·o·late·ly adverb
des·o·late·ness noun

Examples of DESOLATE

  1. <a desolate house abandoned many years ago>
  2. <destitute and desolate since her husband walked out on her>

Origin of DESOLATE

Middle English desolat, from Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare to abandon, from de- + solus alone
First Known Use: 14th century

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