devastation

From Middle French dévastation.

• IPA^(key): /ˌdɛ.vəˈsteɪ.ʃən/

• Audio (US)

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• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

devastation (countable and uncountable, plural devastations)

1. The act of devastating, or the state of being devastated; a laying waste.
   • 2012 October 31, David M. Halbfinger, “New Jersey continues to cope with Hurricane Sandy”, in 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. (law) Waste or misapplication of the assets of a deceased person by an executor or administrator; devastavit.

   Synonym: devastavit