devastates; devastated; devastating
1
: to destroy much or most of (something) : to cause great damage or harm to (something)
The flood devastated the town.
The disease has devastated the area's oak tree population.
The hurricane left the island completely devastated.
The town was devastated [=ruined] when the factory closed.
2
: to cause (someone) to feel extreme emotional pain
—usually used as (be) devastated
She was devastated by the breakup of her marriage.
Cite this Entry
“Devastate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/devastate. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
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