decimated

[des-uh-mey-tid] / ˈdɛs əˌmeɪ tɪd /

VERB

destroy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

annihilate exterminate obliterate slaughter wipe out

STRONG

butcher execute massacre

WEAK

kill off stamp out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bear build create

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Palisades fire in January 2025 decimated the district.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

“That a name evocative of Disneyland has been applied to a depopulated, decimated swath of Ukrainian coal-and-steel country could appear jarring as Europe’s deadliest fighting since World War II continues to rage,” they wrote.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026

But when injuries decimated their roster before the playoffs, James turned back into a wrecking ball.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

That design was rebuilt in three days between festival weekends in 2018 after being decimated by 50 mph winds.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The army of the Scyldings was weakened, decimated.

From "Grendel" by John Gardner