devastate
Translation
to devastate, to ruin, to overwhelm
Examples
The hurricane will devastate the coastal towns.
The hurricane will devastate the coastal towns.
The news of his death will devastate her.
The news of his death will devastate her.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to destroy (sth.) completely The fire devastated the forest.
((sb.)) to make (sb.) feel very shocked and upset The bad news devastated the family.
Similar Words
Synonyms: destroy, ruin, wreck, overwhelm, crush
Etymology
From Latin 'devastare', from 'de-' (completely) + 'vastare' (to lay waste).
Memory Tips
Think of a 'vast' empty space. To 'devastate' is to completely waste an area, leaving it empty and ruined.