Devastate Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

To completely destroy or ruin something, or to make someone feel extremely shocked or sad.

Usage & Nuances

Often used for both physical destruction ('earthquake devastate city') and strong emotional impact ('news devastated her'). Formal; not casual or slang. Collocates with 'area', 'community', 'news', 'loss'. Avoid confusing with 'destroy' (more general, less emotional).

• Spanish: devastar - arrasar (sentido emocional)
• Portuguese (BR): devastar - arrasar (emocional)
• Portuguese (PT): devastar - arrasar (emocional)
• Chinese (Simplified): 摧毁 - 使极为震惊
• Chinese (Traditional): 摧毀 - 使極為震驚
• Hindi: विनाश करना - अत्यंत दुखी करना
• Arabic: يدمر - يحطم (عاطفيًا)
• Bengali: ধ্বংস করা - বিমুগ্ধ করা
• Russian: разрушать - опустошать
• Japanese: 壊滅させる - 打ちのめす
• Vietnamese: tàn phá - làm đau buồn
• Korean: 완전히 파괴하다 - 큰 충격을 주다
• Turkish: harap etmek - mahvetmek
• Urdu: تباہ کرنا - شدید غمزدہ کرنا
• Indonesian: menghancurkan - membuat sangat terpukul

Example Sentences

The storm devastated the small village.

basic

Losing his job devastated him.

basic

The fire devastated hundreds of homes.

basic

She was devastated when she heard the sad news.

natural

The flood devastated the entire region, leaving thousands homeless.

natural

It would devastate me if you left.

natural