What does devastated mean?

Pronunciation

/dɪˈvæstɪteɪtɪd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Extremely shocked, saddened, or overcome with grief or disappointment.

Examples

• I was devastated when I lost my favorite pet.
• The news of the natural disaster left the community devastated.

Etymology

The word “devastated” comes from the Latin “devastare,” meaning “to lay waste” or “to destroy.”

Usage Notes

The word “devastated” is often used to describe emotional states of extreme sadness or grief, but it can also be used to describe physical or environmental destruction.

Cultural References

The word “devastated” has been used in various songs, films, and literature to describe characters’ emotional states.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Devastated by the news
• Left devastated

Related Words or Phrases

• Heartbroken
• Shattered
• Crushed

Collocations

• Devastated by the loss
• The community was devastated

Frequency of Use

The word “devastated” is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing to describe strong emotional reactions.

Common Misspellings

• Devastaded
• Devistated

Additional Information

The word “devastated” can be used to describe a range of emotions, from sadness and grief to shock and disbelief. It is often used in combination with other words to convey the intensity of the emotional response.

In addition to its emotional connotations, the word “devastated” can also be used to describe physical or environmental destruction, such as a natural disaster or a war-torn area.

The word “devastated” has become a common way to express sympathy or condolences, such as saying “I’m devastated to hear about your loss.”