How Do You Spell DEVASTATION?

Pronunciation: [dˌɛvəstˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)

The word "devastation" (/ˌdɛv.əsˈteɪ.ʃən/) refers to widespread destruction, ruin or devastation caused by catastrophic events such as war, natural disasters or acts of terrorism. It is spelled with a "d-e-v-a-s-t-a-t-i-o-n", with the stressed syllable on the second syllable and the "t-a-t" pronounced like "tayt". This word is often used to describe the aftermath of events that have left lasting effects on a community, people or environment, and serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the destructive force of human action.

DEVASTATION Meaning and Definition

  1. Devastation is a noun that refers to the act or process of inflicting severe damage, destruction, or ruin on something or someone. It entails the state or result of being completely devastated or devastated to an excessive degree. More specifically, it describes the state of extreme desolation, devastation, or devastation caused by a catastrophic event, such as war, natural disaster, or human-induced calamity.

    When a location or a community experiences devastation, it often implies widespread destruction, loss, and suffering. Buildings may be reduced to rubble, landscapes may be scarred, and infrastructure may be rendered unusable or severely damaged. Devastation can result in significant human casualties, displacements, economic setbacks, and social disarray.

    The emotional and psychological impact of devastation is profound. It often leaves individuals and communities feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and burdened with grief. The aftermath of devastation may require extensive restoration efforts, including rebuilding structures, providing aid and support to affected populations, and addressing prevalent social, economic, and environmental issues.

    Devastation can also be used metaphorically to describe personal circumstances or events that leave a deep and lasting impact, causing profound emotional or psychological distress. This broader usage acknowledges that devastation extends beyond purely physical destruction and can encompass devastation on a more intangible, emotional level. In this sense, devastation signifies a state of deep despair, sorrow, or psychological trauma resulting from the loss of love, a devastating illness, or any event that shatters one's sense of security or well-being.

  2. The act of laying waste; state of being laid waste; destruction, as by armies, floods, &c.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

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Other Common Misspellings for DEVASTATION

Etymology of DEVASTATION

The word "devastation" comes from the Latin word "devastare", which means "to lay waste" or "to destroy utterly". It is formed by combining the prefix "de-" (meaning "thoroughly" or "completely") and the verb "vastare" (meaning "to lay waste" or "to ravage"). The Latin word "vastare" is derived from the noun "vastus", which means "empty", "desolate", or "vast". Over time, "devastation" has retained its meaning of severe destruction, ruin, or devastation.

Similar spelling words for DEVASTATION

Plural form of DEVASTATION is DEVASTATIONS

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