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ravage

verb

/ˈravɪdʒ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of ravage

To cause severe and widespread damage or destruction to something
"The storm began to ravage the coastal town, destroying homes and infrastructure."

Detailed meaning of ravage

When something is "ravaged," it is left in a state of ruin or devastation. The term is commonly used to describe the effects of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, which can ravage entire communities and leave a path of destruction in their wake. However, the term can also be used in other contexts, such as in reference to the effects of war or disease. To "ravage" something is to leave it in a state of chaos, and the term is often associated with a sense of helplessness or powerlessness in the face of the destructive force.

Example sentences containing ravage

1. The wildfire continued to ravage the dry forests, consuming everything in its path.
2. War can ravage not only cities but also the lives of innocent civilians.
3. The tornado had the power to ravage entire neighborhoods within minutes.
4. The invasive species threatened to ravage the local ecosystem.
5. The pandemic's effects continue to ravage healthcare systems worldwide.
6. Economic downturns can ravage businesses and lead to job loss.

History and etymology of ravage

The verb 'ravage' has its origins in the Old French word 'ravager,' which, in turn, can be traced back to the Latin word 'rapere.' In Latin, 'rapere' meant 'to seize' or 'to snatch violently,' often implying the act of forcibly taking something away. Over time, in Old French, 'ravager' evolved to mean 'to lay waste' or 'to plunder destructively.' Consequently, 'ravage' inherited this sense of causing severe and widespread damage or destruction to something, reflecting its modern usage. The etymology of 'ravage' underscores the idea of violent and widespread devastation, suggesting a forceful and destructive impact on the subject in question.

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Further usage examples of ravage

1. The earthquake had the potential to ravage the fragile infrastructure of the city.
2. Time can ravage even the most well-preserved historical artifacts.
3. Substance abuse can ravage individuals and their relationships.
4. Cyberattacks have the potential to ravage online security and privacy.
5. The invading army would ravage the countryside, leaving a trail of destruction.
6. The wildfire continued to ravage the forest, consuming acres of trees.
7. The disease began to ravage the population, spreading rapidly.
8. The economic crisis would ravage small businesses, causing widespread closures.
9. The vandals would ravage the park, defacing statues and littering the grounds.
10. The locust swarm would ravage the crops, leaving farmers devastated.
11. The war would ravage the region for years, displacing countless families.
12. The floodwaters would ravage the town, washing away homes and businesses.
13. The epidemic would ravage the healthcare system, overwhelming hospitals.
14. The tornado would ravage the neighborhood, tearing apart houses in its path.
15. The plague would ravage the medieval city, claiming many lives.
16. The financial crisis would ravage the stock market, causing massive losses.
17. The invading barbarians would ravage the ancient city, plundering its riches.
18. The tsunami would ravage the coastal communities, sweeping away everything in its wake.
19. The pests would ravage the crops, leaving farmers with meager harvests.
20. The war would ravage the once-thriving economy, leaving it in ruins.
21. The hurricane would ravage the coastline, causing widespread devastation.
22. The disease would ravage the livestock, leading to a significant loss in the agricultural sector.
23. The civil unrest would ravage the city, resulting in widespread chaos and destruction.