verb (used with object),dev·as·tat·ed,dev·as·tat·ing.
to lay waste; render desolate: The invaders devastated the city.
to overwhelm.
Origin of devastate
First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin dēvastātus “laid waste” (past participle of dēvastāre ), equivalent to dē- + vast(āre) “to lay waste” (akin to vastus “empty”) + -ātus; see origin at de-, waste, -ate1
Air travel around the world has been devastated by the fallout from the pandemic, which raised health concerns over flying on the part of consumers and authorities.
Airport COVID testing hubs and new travel corridors are part of a plan to revive U.S.-Europe air travel|Bernhard Warner|August 19, 2020|Fortune
Covid-19 was the second pandemic of the decade for Liberia, which was devastated by Ebola just five years ago.
How Ebola helped Liberia prepare for covid|Tate Ryan-Mosley|August 19, 2020|MIT Technology Review
It’s a phenomenon that risks increasing inbreeding, which could devastate the already endangered species.
Leopards Are Indeed Changing Their Spots|Eromo Egbejule|August 14, 2020|Ozy
The theater’s president, whose parents founded the theater, held a press conference Friday to say she and her staff were “heartbroken and devastated” by the stories they’d heard.
Morning Report: MTS Doled Out Violations Disproportionately|Voice of San Diego|July 27, 2020|Voice of San Diego
In an op-ed an educator who works at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education warns that the new state budget’s new formula for school funding could devastate schools across California.
Morning Report: After Protests, SDPD Turned to Streetlight Cameras|Voice of San Diego|June 30, 2020|Voice of San Diego
Their home probably will be devastated, too, but they received no demolition notice.
In Jerusalem Home Demolitions, the Biblical Justice of Revenge|Creede Newton|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Of course, the South was much stronger than in the 1870s, not devastated by a war and extremely well represented in Congress.
How Rock and Roll Killed Jim Crow|Dennis McNally|October 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Devastated and utterly embarrassed, I meekly raised my hand.
When Gary Wright Met George Harrison: Dream Weaver, John and Yoko, and More|Gary Wright|September 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And the town of Moore was no longer known just for the tornado that devastated it a year ago.
The Muslim Convert Behind America’s First Workplace Beheading|Michael Daly|September 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The African American community has been devastated by HIV, especially in the South.
Dissed By Her Doctor for Wanting HIV Protection|Heather Boerner|September 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Penn's studies at Lincoln's Inn were interrupted by the great plague that swept over London and devastated the city.
William Penn|Rupert S. Holland
His endeavour, for instance, to put a stop to the slave raiding which devastated the Sudan provinces was wholly ineffectual.