Devastating

Pronunciation: /ˈdɛvəˌsteɪt/

Devastating (verb)

  1. To destroy something badly, leaving it damaged and hard to use.
  2. To make someone feel extremely upset, shocked, or heartbroken.
  3. To greatly weaken a plan, system, or effort so it cannot work well.

Examples

  • The storm devastated the town and left many buildings damaged.
  • The fire devastated the warehouse before firefighters arrived.