Meaning & Definition of word "Devastating"
to
Devastating
/ˈdɛvəˌsteɪtɪŋ/
adjective:
- 1. Causing severe and lasting damage or destruction.
- Example: The hurricane had a devastating impact on the coastal towns.
- 2. Overwhelmingly effective or impressive.
- Example: Her performance in the play was devastatingly powerful, leaving the audience in tears.
- 3. Causing great emotional pain or distress.
- Example: The news of his sudden departure was devastating to his family.
Etymology
From Latin 'devastare', meaning to lay waste or to pillage.
Common Phrases and Expressions
devastating news:
Extremely bad or shocking information.
devastating loss:
A loss that causes deep sorrow or shock.
devastating effects:
The strong negative impact something has.
Related Words
devastation:
The act of destroying or damaging something.
devastate:
To cause extensive destruction or ruin.
devastator:
One who or that which devastates.
Slang Meanings of devastating
Meaning: Unbelievably impressive or impactful.
Example Sentence: That movie was devastating, I couldn't stop thinking about it!
Meaning: A strong insult or comeback.
Example Sentence: Her response was so devastating that no one could argue back.