havoc
Translation
havoc, devastation, chaos, destruction
Examples
The storm wreaked havoc on the coastal town.
The storm wreaked havoc on the coastal town.
The toddlers created havoc in the living room.
The toddlers created havoc in the living room.
Grammar Patterns
to wreak havoc ((on sth.)) to cause great damage or chaos to (sth.) The storm wreaked havoc on the coastal town.
Similar Words
Synonyms: chaos, destruction, devastation; Antonyms: order, peace, calm
Etymology
From Old French 'havot' meaning 'pillage, looting', which came to mean widespread destruction.
Memory Tips
Sounds like 'have rock'. Imagine you 'have a rock' and are smashing things, causing chaos.