devastate
verb
dev·as·tate
ˈde-və-ˌstāt 
devastated; devastating
1
: to bring to ruin or desolation by violent action
a country devastated by war
The typhoon devastated the island.
2
: to reduce to chaos, disorder, or helplessness : overwhelm
devastated by grief
Her wisecrack devastated the class.
Examples of devastate in a Sentence
The flood devastated the town.
The disease has devastated the area's oak tree population.
The hurricane left the island completely devastated.
Recent Examples on the Web
Matthew takes social interactions extremely seriously and can be devastated by saying the wrong thing.
—
Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
The next step is likely to be the reopening of Gaza’s border with Egypt, enabling Palestinians to move in both directions and more aid to enter the territory devastated by two years of war.
—Julia Frankel, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
The next step is likely to be the reopening of Gaza’s border with Egypt, enabling Palestinians to travel in both directions and eventually allowing more aid to enter the territory devastated by two years of war.
—Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
As the Reagan Revolution matured, taxes were slashed and regulations rolled back; in turn, the social programs and city services upon which ordinary Americans depended were devastated.
—Heather Ann Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for devastate
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Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
The next step is likely to be the reopening of Gaza’s border with Egypt, enabling Palestinians to move in both directions and more aid to enter the territory devastated by two years of war.
—Julia Frankel, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
The next step is likely to be the reopening of Gaza’s border with Egypt, enabling Palestinians to travel in both directions and eventually allowing more aid to enter the territory devastated by two years of war.
—Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
As the Reagan Revolution matured, taxes were slashed and regulations rolled back; in turn, the social programs and city services upon which ordinary Americans depended were devastated.
—Heather Ann Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for devastate
Cite this Entry
“Devastate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devastate. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
devastate
verb
dev·as·tate
ˈdev-ə-ˌstāt
devastated; devastating
1
: to reduce to ruin : lay waste
2
: overwhelm sense 2, overpower
devastated by grief
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