ravage
Translation
to ravage, to devastate, to lay waste
Examples
The storm ravaged the coastal town.
The storm ravaged the coastal town.
The disease ravaged the population.
The disease ravaged the population.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to cause severe damage to (sth.) The fire ravaged the forest.
Similar Words
Synonyms: devastate, destroy, ruin, lay waste; Antonyms: build, restore, create
Etymology
From Old French 'ravir' meaning 'to seize', related to 'ravish'. It implies a violent taking or destruction.
Memory Tips
It sounds like 'savage'. Imagine a savage beast causing destruction. The word itself has a violent, harsh sound.