vastation
/vaˈsteɪʃ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun] archaic or literary
1The purification of someone or something by the destruction of evil qualities or elements; spiritual purgation.Reaching this point of powerlessness - of emptiness - is the vastation that Swedenborg talks about....
- Some vastation is necessary so that our remains can be safely brought to our assistance through His mercy.
2Devastation.
Origin
Mid 16th century: from Latin vastatio(n-), from vastare 'lay waste'.