devastation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the state of being decayed or destroyed
    desolation.
  2. noun the feeling of being confounded or overwhelmed
    • her departure left him in utter devastation
  3. noun an event that results in total destruction
    desolation.
  4. noun plundering with excessive damage and destruction
    ravaging.
  5. noun the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists
    destruction.

WordNet

Dev`as*ta"tion noun
Etymology
Cf. F. dévastation.
Definitions
  1. The act of devastating, or the state of being devastated; a laying waste.
    Even now the devastation is begun, And half the business of destruction done. Goldsmith.
  2. (Law) Waste of the goods of the deceased by an executor or administrator. Blackstone. Syn. -- Desolation; ravage; waste; havoc; destruction; ruin; overthrow.

Webster 1913