Lay waste to Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫeɪ/ /ˈweɪst/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
LAY WAYST too, tuh, ti
lˈeɪ/ /wˈeɪst/ /tˈuː
lay WAYST too
Definition
To completely destroy or severely damage a place, area, or thing, especially leaving it empty or ruined.
Usage & Nuances
This phrase sounds formal or dramatic and is often used in historical, military, or environmental contexts (e.g., 'The army laid waste to the city'). It's not used for minor damage—implies thorough destruction. Synonyms: 'devastate,' 'destroy.' Not used for people.
Spanish: devastar - arrasarPortuguese (BR): devastar - arrasarPortuguese (PT): devastar - arrasarChinese (Simplified): 摧毁 - 破坏Chinese (Traditional): 摧毀 - 破壞Hindi: नष्ट करना - तबाह करनाArabic: يدمر - يخربBengali: ধ্বংস করে ফেলা - সম্পূর্ণ নষ্ট করে দেওয়াRussian: разорять - опустошатьJapanese: 廃墟にする - 壊滅させるVietnamese: tàn phá hoàn toàn - hủy hoạiKorean: 초토화하다 - 완전히 파괴하다Turkish: yerle bir etmek - harap etmekUrdu: تباہ و برباد کرنا - کھنڈر بنا دیناIndonesian: membinasakan - menghancurkan total
Example Sentences
The fire laid waste to the entire forest.
basic
War laid waste to many villages in the region.
basic
The hurricane laid waste to the coastline.
basic
Centuries ago, invaders laid waste to the ancient capital.
natural
After the storm, it looked like something had laid waste to the neighborhood.
natural
Pollution is slowly laying waste to the river.
natural