devastate

(1) To destroy or severely damage. (2) To cause someone overwhelming shock or grief.

• devastation/ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən/(n)毁灭
• devastating/ˈdɛvəsteɪtɪŋ/(adj)毁灭性的/令人震惊的
• devastated/ˈdɛvəsteɪtɪd/(adj)极度悲伤的

• devastate a region
• devastating blow
• emotionally devastated
• devastating news

1. 1.The earthquake devastated the entire coastline. (physical destruction)
2. 2.She was devastated when she didn't get the job. (emotionally crushed)
3. 3.The report delivered a devastating critique of the policy. (extremely damaging)

• destroy/dɪˈstrɔɪ/— ruin completely, physical
• ravage/ˈrævɪdʒ/— cause severe damage over area
• shatter/ˈʃætə/— break apart, physical or emotional

de- (completely) + vastare (to lay waste) — to make completely empty/waste