C1verb2K

Devastate

UK /["/ˈdevəsteɪt/","/ˈdevəsteɪts/","/ˈdevəsteɪtɪd/","/ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈdevəsteɪt/","/ˈdevəsteɪts/","/ˈdevəsteɪtɪd/","/ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to completely destroy a place or an area

In simple words: to cause great damage or harm

Examples

  • The bomb devastated much of the old part of the city.

Usage notes

Used often in discussions about natural disasters or emotional situations. Avoid in light-hearted contexts. Generally appropriate when describing serious impacts.

Grammar pattern

devastate + object

Memory hint

Think of 'devastate' as 'devastating disaster' — destruction that really hits hard.

Collocations

  • devastate an area
  • devastate a community
  • devastate emotions
  • devastate lives

Synonyms

  • destroy
  • ruin
  • wreck
  • shatter
  • annihilate

Antonyms

  • repair
  • restore
  • build

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'devastate' with 'devote', leading to incorrect usage
  • Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'The storm will devastate' instead of 'The storm will devastate the town.'