Cool MateDevastate
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.'