Devastation

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ËŒdÉ›.vəˈsteɪ.ʃən/
• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Origin

From Middle French dévastation.

Full definition of devastation

Noun

1. The act of devastating, or the state of being devastated; a laying waste.
• 2012 October 31, David M. Halbfinger, "http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/01/nyregion/new-jersey-continues-to-cope-with-hurricane-sandy.html?hp," New York Times (retrieved 31 October 2012)Perhaps as startling as the sheer toll was the devastation to some of the state’s well-known locales. Boardwalks along the beach in Seaside Heights, Belmar and other towns on the Jersey Shore were blown away. Amusement parks, arcades and restaurants all but vanished. Bridges to barrier islands buckled, preventing residents from even inspecting the damage to their property.
2. Waste of the goods of the deceased by an executor or administrator.