Pronunciation: /ˈdɛsəˌmeɪt/

Definitions of decimate

noun a historical term meaning to kill one in every ten of a group

Example Sentences

A1 The decimate of the population was a major concern for the government.

A2 The decimate of the crops led to food shortages in the region.

B1 The decimate of the forest was due to a combination of wildfires and deforestation.

B2 The decimate of the workforce resulted in layoffs and restructuring within the company.

C1 The decimate of the ecosystem had far-reaching consequences for the entire planet.

C2 The decimate of the city's infrastructure required extensive rebuilding and investment.

verb to destroy or kill a large portion of something

Example Sentences

A1 The farmer decimated the weeds in his garden.

A2 The virus decimated the population of the small town.

B1 The hurricane decimated the coastal town, leaving behind destruction.

B2 The economic crisis decimated the company's profits, leading to layoffs.

C1 The war decimated the infrastructure of the country, causing widespread devastation.

C2 The wildfire decimated the forest, leaving behind a barren landscape.

Examples of decimate in a Sentence

formal The hurricane decimated the coastal town, leaving behind widespread destruction.

informal The wildfire decimated the forest, there's hardly any trees left.

slang That new virus is going to decimate the population if we don't take proper precautions.

figurative The unexpected news decimated her hopes and dreams.

Grammatical Forms of decimate

past tense

decimated

plural

decimates

comparative

more decimating

superlative

most decimating

present tense

decimates

future tense

will decimate

perfect tense

have decimated

continuous tense

is decimating

singular

decimate

positive degree

decimate

infinitive

to decimate

gerund

decimating

participle

decimated

Origin and Evolution of decimate

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'decimate' originates from the Latin word 'decimatus', which comes from the verb 'decimare' meaning 'to tithe' or 'to take a tenth'. It was originally used in the context of Roman military punishment where every tenth soldier in a mutinous legion would be killed as a form of discipline.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'decimate' has evolved to refer to the act of destroying or severely reducing a large proportion of something, rather than specifically by a tenth. The word is now commonly used to describe significant damage or loss.