Definition

To destroy or kill a large number of something, often referring to a group or population.

Example

The wildfire decimated the forest, leaving behind charred trees and ash.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the storm that could decimate the crops this year?

Yeah, I read that it might hit our area pretty hard.

It’s so frustrating because farmers have worked so hard.

Absolutely, it would be terrible to see them decimate their efforts.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Decimate is formed from "de-" (meaning down from or away) and "decimare" (from Latin, meaning to take a tenth). Originally, it referred to the practice of killing one in every ten soldiers as a punishment or to reduce numbers, hence the modern meaning of causing great destruction or damage.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking away' ('de-') a 'tenth' ('decimare') of something, which helps you remember that decimate means to destroy a large portion.

Visually Confused Words