Lay to waste Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To completely destroy, ruin, or devastate something, leaving nothing useful or intact behind.
Usage & Nuances
This is a somewhat formal and literary phrase, often used to describe large-scale or severe destruction, such as war, disasters, or powerful forces. Common collocations are 'lay waste to the land' or 'the army laid the city to waste.' Rarely used for small things or everyday situations.
Example Sentences
The hurricane laid to waste the entire coastal village.
basic
The invading army laid to waste the countryside.
basic
Years of pollution laid to waste the river.
basic
The wildfire laid to waste acres of forest overnight.
natural
Decades of civil war laid to waste the country’s infrastructure.
natural
Greed and poor planning laid to waste what could have been a beautiful park.
natural