B1verbenvironmentemotions
US/ˈdev.ə.steɪt/
UK/ˈdev.ə.steɪt/
to destroy a place completely, or to make someone feel extremely shocked and sad
In context
The earthquake devastated several villages along the coast.
News of her father's sudden death devastated her completely.
A long drought can devastate the crops of a whole region.
Words that go with devastate
verb + noun
- devastate a communityThe factory closure devastated the local community.
- devastate a regionThe war devastated the whole region.
- devastate the economyThe crisis devastated the national economy.
- devastate cropsFloods devastated crops across the valley.
- devastate livesThe scandal devastated lives across the town.
adverb + verb
- completely devastateThe fire completely devastated the old town.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I was devastating by the news.Correct: I was devastated by the news.