Want to say devastate differently? Here are other words for devastate and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of devastate
to cause severe and extensive damage or destruction
Etymology of devastate
The word "devastate" originates from the Latin word "devastare," which means "to lay waste" or "to ravage"
The Latin word is a combination of "de" (meaning "from" or "out of") and "vastare" (meaning "to lay waste" or "to desolate")
The word has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe physical or emotional destruction
Synonyms
annihilate
demolish
destroy
ravage
wreck
ruin
spoil
mar
impair
harm
damage
injure
shatter
smash
crush
pulverize
demolish
devastate
desolate
lay waste
raze
level
flatten
obliterate
erase
extinguish
quash
quell
suppress
overpower
overwhelm
overbear
overcome
vanquish
conquer
subdue
subjugate
oppress
persecute
afflict
plague
beset
harass
torment
torture
anguish
distress
grieve
mourn
lament
bemoan
deplore
lament
bewail
decimate
slaughter
massacre
butcher
kill
slay
murder
assassinate
exterminate
eradicate
extirpate
Definitions
- To cause severe and extensive damage or destruction, either physically or emotionally
- * To overwhelm or overpower someone or something, either physically or emotionally
Usage Examples
- The hurricane devastated the coastal town, leaving thousands of people homeless
- * The news of her diagnosis devastated her family and friends
- * The company's financial troubles devastated the local economy
Antonyms
alleviate
ameliorate
assuage
comfort
console
mitigate
mollify
pacify
placate
relieve
repair
restore
revitalize
revive
soothe
uplift
renovate
rejuvenate
revamp
reform
reconstruct
rebuild
recreate
reestablish
reinvigorate
energize
animate
invigorate
inspirit
hearten
cheer
gladden
delight
please
satisfy
gratify
content
tranquilize
calm
serenade
solace