decimate

[US]/ˈdesɪmeɪt/
[UK]/ˈdesɪmeɪt/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vt. to reduce by a tenth; to destroy a large proportion of

Example Sentences

The hurricane decimated the coastal town, leaving behind a path of destruction.

The economic recession decimated the company's workforce, leading to massive layoffs.

The virus decimated the population, causing widespread panic and fear.

The invading army decimated the enemy's defenses, easily taking over the territory.

The wildfire decimated the forest, destroying acres of trees and wildlife.

The earthquake decimated the city, leaving buildings in ruins and people homeless.

The tsunami decimated the coastal communities, washing away homes and livelihoods.

The plague decimated the population, causing widespread illness and death.

The war decimated the country's infrastructure, leaving it in ruins.

The drought decimated the crops, leading to food shortages and famine.

Real-world Examples

Poaching has also decimated rhino populations in Hwange.

Source: BBC Reading Selection

Swimming records, track and field records-these would just be absolutely decimated.

Source: Science 60 Seconds - Scientific American April 2021 Collection

Urban areas would be decimated by the rift, causing extensive destruction.

Source: If there is a if.

Rest assured, I would intellectually decimate you if I had the energy to do so.

Source: MBTI Personality Types Guide

Others were decimated by animals like rats that arrived on ships.

Source: CNN 10 Student English November 2017 Collection

Humpback whales — a population once decimated by more than 95% — started making a comeback.

Source: Science 60 Seconds - Scientific American May 2023 Collection

When otters disappear, for example, urchins take over, decimating kelp forests.

Source: Science in 60 Seconds Listening Compilation January 2014

Speaking of destruction, he always decimated our guacamole supply.

Source: Listening Digest

A lot of people would pay top dollar to decimate the population.

Source: Rick and Morty Season 1 (Bilingual)

A flaming hot avalanche would decimate everything in its path.

Source: If there is a if.

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